Description
THE MONSTER'S DOOR. THE FANTASTIC IN JAPANESE ART
Book Summary
This visual essay explores the fascinating universe of the supernatural in Japanese art, from its origins in folklore to its representation in visual culture. Juan Francisco Pastor París guides the reader through a world populated by demons, specters, and fantastic creatures that reveal both ancestral beliefs and the deepest corners of human psychology. An essential work for understanding how terror and wonder intertwine in an artistic tradition of extraordinary richness.
What is it about?
The book analyzes the Japanese supernatural bestiary, an unusual universe where creatures of all kinds dance in a masquerade. Demons, specters, and mischievous monsters articulate a world full of mystery, terror, and wonder. The work unravels how these figures embody ancestral beliefs and, at the same time, reflect the imprint of human psychology buried in the subconscious. Through art, the author shows how the fantastic becomes a mirror for the collective fears and desires of Japanese culture.
Main themes
- Japanese supernatural folklore and its iconic creatures
- The representation of demons, specters, and monsters in Japanese art
- The connection between the fantastic, terror, and wonder in cultural tradition
- The human subconscious and its expression through the supernatural
- Japanese ancestral beliefs and their evolution in artistic iconography
Who is it recommended for?
It is aimed at lovers of Japanese art, scholars of folklore and Japanese culture, as well as readers interested in the psychology of the fantastic and horror. It will also be of great value to artists, illustrators, and designers seeking inspiration from Japan's rich supernatural imagery.
What this book offers
- An in-depth, visual analysis of the Japanese fantastic bestiary, with keys for interpreting its symbolism
- An understanding of how art reflects the ancestral beliefs and collective fears of a culture
- A unique perspective on the psychology of the subconscious through the representation of monsters and specters
- A journey through Japanese artistic tradition that connects folklore with contemporary visual creation
Technical specifications
- Author: PASTOR PARIS, JUAN FRANCISCO
- Publisher: CASIMIRO
- Language: Spanish
- Subject: ARTS GENERAL ASPECTS, ART HISTORY / ART AND DESIGN STYLES, HORROR AND GHOST STORIES
- Collection: ART
- Publication date: March 2023
- Number of pages: 248
- Weight: 473 g
Editorial review
A rigorous and visually evocative work that succeeds in building bridges between Japanese folklore, art history, and deep psychology. Its analytical and well-documented approach makes it a reference for those who wish to delve into the supernatural imagery of Japan from a cultured and accessible perspective.