Description
FLOWERS OF EDO. ILLUSTRATED ENCYCLOPEDIA OF JAPANESE FLOWERS
Book Summary
This work is a carefully curated selection of one hundred spectacular Japanese botanical illustrations, drawn from the ukiyo-e print tradition and classic Japanese herbalism. Each plate comes to life accompanied by a detailed botanical description, the symbolic meaning of the plant, historical curiosities, and its uses in traditional Japanese medicine. The reader will discover a bridge between Japan's art, science, and culture, presented with the editorial quality that characterizes Satori Ediciones.
What is it about?
The book explores the rich tradition of Japanese herbalism, a discipline that arrived from China in the 8th century and, by the 17th century, had established itself as an autonomous field of study. The first Japanese botanical encyclopedia in color, published in 1830, consisted of 96 volumes featuring 2,000 plants and their illustrations. Flowers of Edo recovers that legacy by offering a selection of one hundred plates. Each entry includes the name of the flower, its detailed botanical description, explanations regarding the origin of its name and its meaning in Japanese culture, historical anecdotes, and references to its application in traditional medicine. The result is a visual and documentary immersion into the natural world of classical Japan.
Main themes
- Japanese botanical art and ukiyo-e prints.
- Herbalism and traditional Japanese medicine.
- Symbolism of flowers in Japanese culture.
- History of botany in Japan (8th–19th centuries).
- Scientific and artistic illustration of the Edo period.
Who is it recommended for?
This book is aimed at lovers of Japanese art and printmaking, enthusiasts of botany and gardening, floral design professionals, collectors of high-quality illustrated books, and anyone interested in the culture, history, and symbolism of flowers in Japan. It also serves as a reference work for students and teachers of art and natural sciences.
What this book offers
- A visual anthology of one hundred historical botanical illustrations, reproduced in high quality.
- Deep knowledge of the medicinal and symbolic uses of plants in the Japanese tradition.
- Historical and cultural context that enriches the understanding of each flower represented.
- A collector's item that combines aesthetic and documentary value.
Technical Specifications
- Author: TAJIMA, KAZUHIKO
- Publisher: SATORI EDICIONES C.B.
- Language: Spanish
- Topic: Prints and printmaking art, artists, art monographs, botanical art, botany and plant sciences, floral arrangements and flower crafts, gift books
- Collection: ART
- Publication Date: June 2022
- Number of pages: 220
- Weight: 672 g
Editorial Assessment
Flowers of Edo offers a solid and well-executed proposal for those seeking a work that combines art, science, and Japanese culture. The selection of one hundred plates, accompanied by informative and contextualized texts, allows for both a visual and documentary reading experience. It is a book that satisfies collectors, scholars, and curious readers alike, without falling into a mere accumulation of images. Its value lies in the quality of the edition and the rigor of the information presented, making it a highly recommended acquisition for any library interested in classical Japanese culture.