num_pages: 112
description: The movement to bring contemporary sensibilities to Japan's traditional crafts-in stunning photographs and inspiring words.Inspired Shapes is the first book to showcase the work of today's innovative Japanese craftspeople who are striving to keep their crafts viable, yet compatible with modern lifestyles and aesthetics. Author Ori Koyama searched throughout Japan to find the artists and works most representative of themovement. What she found was truly craftspeople, young and old, male and female, embracing the challenge of bringing new ideas and ways of thinking into harmony with tradition-often with startling results. They work in bamboo, glass, wood, paper, lacquer, metal, textiles, grasses, vines and earth. The one thing they all share istheir commitment to their work.The book is organized by each section discusses a specific material and its relationship to Japanese tradition. The works themselves are presented in exquisite photographs by Mizuho Kuwata and complemented by illuminating descriptions and explanations, often in the words of the artiststhemselves.Inspired Shapes is not only a book about design, but a book about heritage and creativity. It celebrates fine workmanship, vibrant life and the need for both tradition and change.BAMBOOLight ScreenSusutake BedKnife and ForkBasketsWOODCamel ChestMeditation StoolFolding DeskTEXTILENorensTapestryCushionsPAPERLampsWood Grain Writing PaperFolding ScreenPaper Coil BowlMETALIron KettleIron CandlestickIron BookendsSilver PitcherLACQUERStacked BoxesStacked CupsPet BottlePLUSGLASSGRASSESVINESEARTH
language: English
title: Inspired Shapes: Contemporary Designs for Japan's Ancient Crafts
publisher: Kodansha USA