From Publishers Weekly
Author Koyama collects representative examples of Japan's current arts and crafts movement in this stylish collection of meticulous workmanship. Organized by medium, Koyama gives a brief overview of the significance of a particular material-bamboo, metal, textiles, wood-in Japanese culture and highlights key pieces, focusing on utilitarian items (although tapestries and a whimsical pop-art sake set also work their way in) such as stacking dinner boxes, screens, trays, mats and sake servers that, though steeped in tradition, have been retooled, updated or otherwise influenced by modern needs and sensibilities. Beautiful in and of themselves, many of the works are made even more stunning by photographer Kuwata, whose use of close ups and unique angles allow the reader to get a much better feel for the craftsmanship of each piece. Koyama has also included biographies and contact information for each of the featured artists, presumably so readers can acquire a work for themselves, but some may conclude this is a dressed-up catalog.
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Review
"Author Ori Koyama, with the help of the photography of Mizuho Kuwata, presents a blend of old and new, contemporary Japanese design inspired by their country's rich legacy of ancient art. Kuwata's stunning photography makes for a visually exciting book." -Art Times
"Modernist Western designers have long incorporated traditional Japanese designs into their work. Now Japanese designers are creating modern decorative objects in the ancient manner." -Metropolitan Home Magazine
"Inspired Shapes is the first book to showcase the work of today's innovative Japanese craftspeople." -Museum Store Magazine
"Illustrates the new arts and crafts movement to bring contemporary sensibilities to Japan's traditional crafts, in vibrant photographs and inspiring words." -ForeWord Magazine
"Stark, elegant, nuanced: Japan has a distinctive aesthetic that can turn the simplest tool into an object of veneration. ...Inspire Shapes will make you want to throw away all your accumulations of stuff and live with just the basics, finely wrought." -The Seattle Times
"Kuwata's closeup photographs approach abstract art. The text is short, satisfying, zenlike. Included is an informative appendix of artist profiles." -Sacramento Bee (CA)
"Some present-day pieces include a bamboo bed, an iron sake server, woven baskets, a lamp created from tried bamboo branches and twigs, wood grain stationary, ornamental bowls, a folding desk made of Keri wood, and calligraphy brushes inspired by an Edo-period monk. What makes this book wonderful is that it is both a look forward and a look backward." -THE Magazine (Santa Fe, NM)
"Many of the objects showcases in a handsome new book called Inspired Shapes: Contemporary Designs for Japan's Ancient Crafts are collaborations between contemporary designers and regional artisans. . . The elegant intersection between tradition and change that is at the heart of Japanese culture finds a beautiful new articulation in objects that are meant to be used, admired, and cherished." -Hemispheres Magazine
"Author Koyama collects representative examples of Japan's current arts and crafts movement in this stylish collection of meticulous workmanship. . . Beautiful in and of themselves, many of the works are made even more stunning by photographer Kuwata, whose use of close ups and unique angles allow the reader to get a much better feel for the craftsmanship of each piece." -Publishers Weekly
