The Art Of, Wonderland, Colors, Victorian, Koyamori and Cat Paws

As Westerners, American readers tend to suffer from tunnel vision when it comes to the size of books, their contents, genres and points of view.

 

For those very reasons that’s why I enjoy looking over and reading many of the book titles designed, written, printed and produced by PIE International out of Japan.

It’s refreshing to view the world through the eyes of a society so unlike the United States-not worse or better-just different.

The first things that hits me about any popular culture item out of Jana such as literature, art, entertainment, etc. it the attention to detail, cultural references and quality.  Seldom do you see a below par item produced by the Japanese.  We could learn a few lessons from them here in the U.S.

Is it any wonder Japanese electronics and cars are so popular here in the United States?

Yokai Wonderland presents More From The Yumoto Koichi Collection of Supernatural Beings In Japanese Art.

This wonderfully illustrated, large paperback book is brimming with photos of art, text and sculptures spanning the centuries of Japanese History.

Take a moment to examine each piece and marvel at the detail, color application and imagination displayed.

For a real feel of ancient Japanese culture this collection is a real eye-opener as to the sheer genius of early Japanese artists and scholars.

Equally impressive is Hiroshi Unno’s The Art Of Fantasy, Sci-Fi And Steampunk comprised of drawings, etchings, color plates and other printed material representing classic sci-fi and fantasy literary works.

Upon looking through the book you cannot help but be impressed by the sheer volume, intricate details and amazing variety of art and styles explained both in English and Japanese.

It’s an absolutely stunning collection of illustrations and of the six books reviewed in this article it is by far my favorite.

As a graphic designer the tools of my trade are color, design and illustrations. 

Kimono And The Colors Of Japan that collects the Kimono Collection Of Katsumi Yumioka, all three are represented in stunning full-color layouts on each page.

Never have I seen such a variety of patterns, subject themes and imaginative use of paper, fabric and color.

While written in Japanese the book needs no narration when it comes to looking at and enjoying each impressive piece of art.

Henry Terry presents the collected and painted A Victorian Flower Album in the summer evenings of 1873, as a pleasing recreation.

The Victorian Era is often portrayed as a drab and dull period-nothing could be further from the truth as the contained illustrations prove.

Flowers and plants of every variety are portrayed in lush watercolor paintings, complete with descriptions.

Long before color photography existed Victorian artists used their artistic talents to record and document the various flora and fauna present at that time.  This is a perfect example of the exemplary art prevalent during that era.

Grow The Art Of Koyamori is a whimsical collection of art consisting of people, plants, animals, fabric and miscellaneous objects as envisioned by the artist.

Ink and watercolor pen and brush illustrations delight the eye. Motion, whimsy, clever designs and eye-catching layouts make for a delicious and satisfying cornucopia of creativity.

Who doesn’t love cats? In Cat Paws readers get a full dose of softness that will melt your heart.

So adorable, it features full-color close-up photos of cat paws, both mischievous and playful.

My daughter has two cats and she will be delighted when I present her with this book.  It’s the cat’s meow!