The Written Image: Japanese Calligraphy and Painting from the Sylvan Barnet and William Burto Collection

This is a digital download of a remarkable collection that showcases the beauty of Japanese calligraphy and painting. The Written Image offers instant access to a PDF format, allowing you to explore the intricate art forms from the comfort of your device. With a file size of 32.5 MB, this publication is designed for easy viewing on various devices.

Calligraphy is often regarded as the purest manifestation of an artist’s inner character and level of cultivation, as well as the expression of his soul, thoughts, and feelings. This publication presents some fifty-eight Japanese works, almost all calligraphy, from the remarkable collection formed over the last forty years by Sylvan Barnet and William Burto, literary scholars who became enraptured by the Japanese art of the brush. Their holdings, virtually unseen outside Japan, testify to the growth in sophistication of Americans’ engagement with other cultures.

Book Overview

Spanning more than a thousand years from the Nara period (710–784) through the nineteenth century, the material includes sublime early sutras, or transcriptions of the Buddha’s discourses; an extraordinary mandala that is perhaps the finest example of its kind in the West; seminal works by such renowned figures as Myoe, Koetsu, Muso, Konoe, and Daishin; engaging letters and poems that illuminate courtly life; and powerful graphic statements by Zen monk-artists. In their “Collectors’ Foreword,” Sylvan Barnet and William Burto discuss the history of their collection. Their second essay, “Some Western Thoughts on Shodo: The Way of Writing,” is directed to the non-Japanese reader and is an illuminating commentary on the ways in which Japanese calligraphy can be appreciated. Miyeko Murase’s introduction provides a rich commentary on the Japanese calligraphic scripts and scribes and an insightful overview of the society and world in which this art flourished. All of the works are discussed in texts by leading experts. Mountings of Japanese calligraphy are treated in an appendix.

What You’ll Discover Inside

• A comprehensive overview of Japanese calligraphy and painting.
• Insights into the historical context of the artworks.
• Detailed discussions by leading experts on each piece.
• Essays by Sylvan Barnet and William Burto on their collection.
• Rich commentary on the Japanese calligraphic scripts.
• Appendix on the mountings of Japanese calligraphy.

Why This Book Matters

The Written Image serves as a vital resource for understanding the cultural significance of Japanese calligraphy. It not only showcases the artistic achievements of renowned figures but also highlights the historical context in which these works were created. Readers will benefit from a deeper appreciation of the writing process and the artistic expressions that have shaped Japanese culture.

Book Details

Device Compatibility

This digital download is compatible with various devices, including Kindle, tablets, desktops, and mobile devices. You can access the book instantly after purchase, ensuring a seamless reading experience.

FAQ

• Is this an instant download? Yes, you will have instant access after purchase.
• Is there a physical copy available? No, this is a digital download only.
• What formats are compatible? This book is available in PDF format.

Explore the beauty of Japanese calligraphy and painting today with this instant digital download.