This Japanese reference book, titled “Kobijutsu Kottō Handbook” (古美術骨董ハンドブック), meaning “Japanese Fine Art and Antiques Handbook,” was published in 2004 by Ribun Shuppan (里文出版).
Designed as a practical guide for collectors and enthusiasts of Japanese antiques, this comprehensive handbook introduces the fundamental knowledge needed to understand and appreciate traditional Japanese art, historical objects, and craftsmanship.
The book covers a wide range of artistic disciplines, including Japanese ceramics, tea ceremony utensils, traditional crafts, calligraphy, painting, and Buddhist art, offering an accessible introduction to the terminology, techniques, and historical background of each category.
One of its distinctive features is the extensive use of detailed black-and-white illustrations and diagrams, which explain the various shapes, structures, decorative elements, and technical terminology associated with antique objects.
For example, the illustrated sections explore the different forms and components of traditional Japanese ceramic vessels, as well as the construction and variations of bamboo flower containers used in the Japanese tea ceremony.
Beyond Japanese antiques, the handbook also includes a comparative chronological table covering China, the Korean Peninsula, and Japan, allowing readers to understand the historical relationships and artistic developments across East Asia.
An additional index of historical Japanese era names makes it particularly useful for identifying and dating antique objects.
The book serves as a convenient reference for understanding the specialized vocabulary commonly encountered in Japanese antique shops, auction catalogues, museums, and art collections.
Size: 12 x 19cm
135 pages
