This September 2008 issue of Me no Me (目の眼) is a beautifully presented Japanese magazine dedicated to antiques, traditional crafts, ceramics, and East Asian decorative arts. Known for its specialist approach, Me no Me introduces historical objects through detailed photography and articles exploring their craftsmanship, cultural background, and appeal to collectors.
The principal feature of this issue is 「鼻煙壺 ― 世界が認めた日本人商社マンのコレクション」, devoted to Chinese snuff bottles (鼻煙壺 / bienko) and a remarkable collection assembled by a Japanese businessman. Snuff bottles became highly developed miniature works of art in China, produced in an extraordinary variety of materials and techniques, including porcelain, glass, jade, hardstone, enamel, and carved materials.
The cover features an especially charming yellow-ground snuff bottle decorated with a cat beneath flowering plants, illustrating the intricate craftsmanship and playful imagery found on these small collectible objects.
Another feature, 「煎茶の楽しみ」 (The Enjoyment of Sencha), explores the refined world surrounding sencha tea culture. Unlike the better-known matcha-centered chanoyu, the Japanese senchadō tradition developed its own distinctive aesthetic and collection of utensils, strongly influenced by Chinese literati culture and appreciation of ceramics and scholarly objects.
Size: 15 x 21cm
Pages: 144
