Japanese Bestiary: Animals in Japanese Mythology, Arts and Literature | Nelly Delay & Dominique Ruspoli

 Every animal, from the frightening crow the sublime crane, is sacred, occupying a central place in Japanese mythology, literature, arts, and crafts. In this text-rich art book, readers will find twenty-eight real-life animals, including the fox, frog, cat, monkey, and firefly, described in texts combining haikus, tales and anecdotes from everyday life and illustrated with objects produced by some of the most celebrated Japanese artists and craftsmen.

Readers will see just how central animals are to Japanese legends and literature but also in the latest animated and mánga films. In some cases, the animals are transformed and endowed with human attributes; in others, through, a representative selection of Japanese art they appear lovingly portrayed in their natural element. While most of the animals in this Japanese bestiary are good omens, even ones a tad mischievous, downright evil or uniquely sacred, they are all invested with strong symbolism and have become extremely popular in a country where everything is seen as ephemeral and transient, yet everything remains. Japanese Bestiary is an ideal book for anyone interested in Japanese drawing and place painting, animal illustrations and wildlife art and literature.

Size: 220 x 270mm (hardcover)

Pages: 208

Publisher: Hoaki