- Unfortunately, the online version of this book does not do the illustrations justice. I remember going through this book a log time ago and remember how the writing was just as richly descriptive as the images. Sigur explores several different questions in this book including, "Why have certain cultural icons persisted for centuries in Japan?" The book has deeper layer to it as well. It's not so much a picture book discussing design as it is an evaluation and assessment of external global influences and how the shaped, promoted and discouraged certain stylistic aspects of Japanese art throughout the ages.
SatÅ, D. (2011) Modern Japanese art and the Meiji state: The politics of beauty. Available at: https://books.google.com/books?id=P5u33A3EXskC&printsec=frontcover&dq=japanese+art+history&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiYk4fPvKbSAhXqqFQKHQiXDIcQ6AEIIDAB#v=onepage&q=japanese%20art%20history&f=false (Accessed: 23 February 2017).
- It was surprising to me how few resources I could find in English on certain topics while researching for this site. This is one of very few books not in Japanese that thouroughly discusses the cultural revolution during the Meiji restoration and how what we consider "modern Japanese art" came to be. Admittedly, it's not an easy read, but its worth sifting through the digressions if you have a genuine interest on this subject.
Munsterberg, H. (2012) Arts of Japan: An illustrated history. Available at: https://books.google.com/books?id=e43QAgAAQBAJ&printsec=frontcover&dq=japanese+art+history&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiWkYXkvabSAhUP8WMKHbTjAJMQ6AEIJTAC#v=onepage&q&f=false (Accessed: 23 February 2017).
- I have to say, my favorite part about this book is the large print! It touches on all the same material I covered here on this site, however it also provides an informal view. Most history books today will go out of their way to strip any emotions or opinions from their facts and content. Presenting a strict objective view of history is always needed. However, it's nice to have the chance to view the subject side. I really enjoy how the author discusses the topic from a spiritual point of view.