Japanese Art and Design: The Collections of the Victoria and Albert Museum

Founded in 1852, the V&A has acquired Japanese objects from its earliest years and played a significant role in bringing the art of Japan to the attention of designers, manufacturers and the British public.

This tradition continues to the present day and in this new book some of the world’s leading researchers in this field bring their attention to the V&A’s unparalleled collection. Ten chapters focus on subjects such as the effects of Buddhism on the country’s arts and culture; the samurai; the highly aestheticized tea ceremony, which has been a notable feature of Japanese culture from the Medieval period up to the present day; Ukiyo-e and the graphic arts (prints, illustrated books, paintings and screens from the Edo period); exchanges with the West and imperialism, right up to modern and contemporary crafts and design including manga and high-tech design.

About the Author:

Gregory Irvine is Senior Curator in the V&A's Asian Department, where he specializes in Japanese metalwork.