The Australian Journey

This major book explores the astonishingly rich heritage of Japanese art, from prehistoric times until Japan opened its doors to the West at the commencement of the Meiji period (1868-1912). It reveals the astonishingly rich heritage of Japanese art held in Australia's major public and private collections. Serene Buddhist sculptures, spectacular painted screens, miniature netsuke talismans, colourful Ukiyo-e images of the 'floating world', costumes, masks, armour and flamboyant export art created for Australia's late nineteenth-century international exhibitions are all included in celebration of the profound lyricism and sophisticated eloquence of Japanese aesthetics. The book features essay contributions by twelve leading Japanese and non-Japanese scholars. This publication is certain to be a major step in promoting greater national and international awareness in appreciating the significance of Japanese collections held in Australia.