This beautiful book offers a striking and unusual view of a wide array of Japanese art. It highlights - close up and in colour - outstanding examples of design and craft in prints, paintings and screens, metalwork, ceramics, wood, stone and lacquer. The book opens with an introduction asking "What is Japanese art?" This is followed by a series of thematic chapters in which the author provides cultural context while pointing out exceptional features. By showing the complete object alongside enlarged details - sometimes virtually invisible to the naked eye - intriguing comparisons can be drawn between seemingly unrelated pieces. The selection of illustrations evokes the hand and eye of the most accomplished Japanese craftsmen and women past and present. Ideal as a souvenir or introduction to any museum or gallery visit, this book will also provide endless creative inspiration.