Twelfe Centuries of Japanese Art in the Imperial Collections, by Ann Yonemura

Throughout its history, Japan's rulers have revered, treasured, sponsored, and even created beautiful works of calligraphy and painting. From the Heian period (794-1185) to the 20th century, the emperors of Japan and their courts have been arbiters of taste, patrons and protectors as well as participants in the arts. This volume showcases 76 stunning paintings and works of calligraphy dating from the 9th through 20th centuries, many for the first time to a Western audience. Replete with color reproductions, Twelve Centuries of Japanese Art from the Imperial Collections offers scholars, collectors, connoisseurs, historians, and all those interested in Japanese art an unprecedented view of Japanese aesthetic sensibility. The volume celebrates the consistent influence of imperial taste on the development of Japanese art.