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Divine Felines: The Cat in Japanese Art

with over 200 illustrations
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The book Divine Felines: The Cat in Japanese Art by Rhiannon Paget explores the significance of cats in Japanese culture and art, tracing their roles from ancient folklore to popular art forms. It showcases a delightful collection of artwork, examining how these animals have been depicted across various periods and mediums. The book offers insights into the cultural symbolism and how cats have inspired artists throughout history.
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Format: Hardback
$3999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you have a passion for Japanese culture and art, particularly the charming and symbolic representation of cats throughout history. This visually stunning collection explores a delightful range of feline depictions in Japanese art, offering insights into the cultural significance and artistic treatment of cats. Whether you're an art enthusiast, cat lover, or interested in historical perspectives, this book is likely to captivate your imagination.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

From Hello Kitty to Maneki Neko - Japan is the epicentre of global cat culture!

Whether lurking in corners or taking centre stage, cats are a ubiquitous presence in Japanese art. Depending on the situation, they may invite good fortune, prompt the viewer to meditate on a tale, or provide evidence of an unseen world of magic and supernatural happenings.

In 200 charming woodblock prints, paintings, screens, and figurines spanning three centuries, Japanese art expert Rhiannon Paget celebrates the rich symbolism and surprising stories surrounding the feline image in Japan. Her book contains essays on the following fascinating topics:

  • Domestic Companion or Household God? Japanese artists represent the great affection and sense of pride which bonds cat owners to their pets.
  • The Feline Muse: Feline figures as ideal subjects for artists to explore in fluid lines and organic forms, their glossy fur and markings lending themselves to the interplay of textures and materials.
  • Lucky Cats: Auspicious creatures in Japanese culture, symbolising health, longevity, and prosperity.
  • Mischief and Mayhem: Japan's rich visual record of cats as witches and feline monsters.
  • Philosophers' Cats, Teachers' Pets and Moggies with Messages: The felines deployed to illustrate philosophical and religious ideas, and as conveyors of folk wisdom.
  • Plus much more!

This delightful book will appeal to anyone with an interest in Japanese art and culture, plus of course to all cat lovers!

This collection features works from over 30 institutions across the world, including:

  • Harvard Art Museums
  • Minneapolis Institute of Art
  • Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
  • Rijksmuseum
  • The British Museum
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art
  • The National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo
  • Tokyo National Museum
  • Library of Congress, Washington D.C.
  • Smithsonian Libraries
  • Tokyo Metropolitan Library

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Divine Felines: The Cat in Japanese Art by Rhiannon Paget is highly praised for its splendid illustrations and meticulous research, offering a vibrant exploration of cats in Japanese art. The book captures the cultural significance of felines from the 17th to the 20th century, showcasing their role in everything from netsuke sculptures to Hokusai paintings. With detailed descriptions and iconic artworks, it provides an engaging look into the intersection of art and culture.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9784805317334

Publisher: Tuttle Publishing

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 17 October 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Tuttle Publishing

Illustration: 200 color and b&w illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 178.0mm

Weight: 567g

Pages: 192

About the Author

Rhiannon Paget is the curator of Asian Art at the John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota, Florida. She received her doctorate from the University of Sydney and has published research on Japanese prints, paintings, textiles and popular visual culture as well as curating numerous exhibitions, including Saito Kiyoshi: Graphic Awakening, in 2021.

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