Enhanced descriptions from Syndetics:

Through some 300 objects this book explores contemporary Japanese design: from everyday objects and packaging to interior design and lighting elements. Ultimately the book aims to explore the way in which Japanese design manages to harness its materials - whether natural or synthetic - and at the same time combines respect for tradition with forward-thinking and experimentation.

The objects featured were chosen because of their strong Japanese character and the influence this 'Japaneseness' has had on Western culture. Rather than following a chronological order or concentrating on the designers, this book focuses on the objects and is categorized by material, highlighting the strong link between design and material in Japan.

There will be a general introduction and then each section will have its own individual introduction:

- Wood, Bamboo & Lacquer - Paper - Metal - Fabric & Textiles - Ceramic

- Synthetic/new materials

The book will include examples from some of the most important Japanese designers from Sori Yanagi and Shiro Kuramata to Naoto Fukasawa and Tokujin Yoshioka and there will be an introductory essay about Japanese design by Kenya Hara.

Reviews provided by Syndetics

Publishers Weekly Review

Menegazzo (Japon) and Piotti (Japan Style) distill centuries of the wabi-sabi way of life in this elegantly curated photograph album of everyday items. Defining wa as simple form and natural material combined with craftsmanship, they spotlight over 200 objects by mostly modern artists like Isamu Noguchi, with designs that appear "to be looking both back to the past and forward to future developments." In a pithy introduction to the design concept and the book, by graphic designer Kenya Hara credits 15th century shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa as the father of the esthetic of "emptiness." From bamboo to ceramics to plastic, they assemble an entertaining assortment to illustrate shogun style. Familiar items include lacquered chopsticks and bento boxes, stainless steel teapots, the Noguchi Akari paper lamp, and even the Kikkoman soy sauce dispenser makes the cut. In the textiles section the authors demystify the kimono with a nod to fashion innovator Issey Miyake and his Reality Lab Project Team. Fans of Reiko Sudo, co-founder of NUNO, the industrial design house, will be pleased to find her contribution to sustainable materials promi-nently featured. While minimalism my not be everyone's cup of green tea, those with the desire to pare down will surely find inspiration. 300 color photos. (Mar.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.