rev - Rated 
the order arrived in very good condition, although later than expected. when i contacted them regarding this i was well treated
shadowy - Rated 
I came across Junichiro through seeing 'Shunkin' at the Barbican (Bite2009) and wanting to know more as I loved the delicacy of the play, and am disappointed that I can't seem to locate a copy of 'Portrait of Shunkin'. I enjoyed 'In praise of shadows', although it is quite slight; I can appreciate that it is an artist's view of ancient and modern Japan, which fascinates me, but there are parts of it that made me very uncomfortable, sounding quite self hating and racist. I wondered how close the translation was, always a question with translations, it just seemed blunt and awkward when describing Japanese racial characteristics.I think maybe that a more sensitive translation would have softened this down perhaps, as it seems quite offensive when Japanese skin colour is discussed.
...and it's not just for designers - Rated
Some reviewers were troubled by parts of the essay that are "weird" or politically incorrect. However, this work is a preservation of a disappearing era, and succeeds in pinpointing the roots of the beauty in the things it describes. Those things themselves, then, are not as relevant as the underlying lesson in appreciating and understanding spaces, moods, customs, and the day-to-day. Here is a subtly delivered train of thought, demonstrating the gentle delineation and enjoyment of nuances that are easily and commonly ignored.
Short, cheap, and easy to read, it can be recommended to almost any thoughtful person. It is well worth taking as a companion to Tanizaki's novels, too, as an elucidation of his style of thought. (In particular, 'Some Prefer Nettles' addresses related themes of culture, custom, enjoyment and appreciation.)
Embrace the dark side! - Rated 
This book has a foreword from someone at UCLA's School of Architecture - so perhaps that is a clue to where it is aimed.
Tanizaki makes a good argument that Japanese art (eg, lacquerware, calligraphy, gold statues, no and kabuki, etc.) cannot be best appreciated in bright, white and shiny surroundings, which he characterizes as Western. He prefers a natural diffused light, softer colours and the 'wear and tear' of wasi-sabi.
At this point in his life Tanizaki (1933) had turned against Western influence, so this is really "In Praise of All Things Japanese!" He does stray from his subject and ramble on like a 'Grumpy Old Man,' which he admits. Partly nostalgia - for he is really railing against the Japanese who had already embraced the 'bright lights' of the West, I'd say he crosses the politically correct line several times and made me feel uncomfortable.
Nevertheless, Tanizaki offers us a valuable link to a rich past, and there is still much we can learn from there. Like how a setting can enhance or destroy our appreciation of an object, a person or theatre. Or, why we should not be afraid of the dark!
Learning without realising you're learning! - Rated
This was a very erudite, neat essay. It taught me a lot about the world we live in, and how we live. It was a history lesson too, but surprisingly modern in its approach and the subjects it dealt with. If you want to know about Japan and Japanese design, its houses and its philosophy, this book will provide you with many interesting insights.
Written by a novelist, it is lyrical and poetic too, so you don't have to feel you're making a huge effort to sit down and read some non-fiction!
|
