On The Laws Of Japanese Painting

by Henry Pike Bowie

This vintage book contains a detailed introduction to Japanese art, with historical information, directions for using materials, details on influential artists and pieces, and much more. “On The Laws Of Japanese Painting” constitutes a must-read for those with a practical interest in Japanese art and would make for a fantastic addition to collections of allied literature. Contents include: “Personal Experiences”, “Art in Japan”, “Laws for the Use of Brush and Materials”, “Laws Governing the Conception and Execution of a Painting”, “Canons of the Aesthetics of Japanese Painting”, “Subjects for Japanese Painting”, “Signatures and Seals”, “Explanation of Head-Bands”, and “Plates Explanatory of the Forgoing Text on the Laws of Japanese Painting”. Many vintage books such as this are increasingly scarce and expensive. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern edition complete with a specially commissioned new introduction. This book was first published in 1911.

Genres: Art, Reference, Nonfiction, Japan

157 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2007

About the author

d. 1920

Reviews

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written in 1911, it's a bit archaic though well illustrated for a book of this time. I feel there is better, more modern versions of this by Japanese authors. Of the top of my head, Shozo Sato books on painting cover these quite well.

Now available from Project Gutenberg so I don't need a paper copy.

[Morris Nelms · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good information. Probably a bit dated. I think a paperback or hardback version with bigger and clearer illustrations would be a better choice for this book.
I think he sort of contradicts himself. In one place he says knowledge of kanji (Chinese characters written with a brush) is fundamental to Japanese painting. In another place he says it is a mistake so see Japanese art as based on Japanese calligraphy. I think what he means is that the calligraphy teaches you how to use the brush, but in painting you have more freedom. However, he doesn't make that clear.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked it