This collection presents more than 4;000 individual designs in the 900-year-old tradition of Japanese family crests. Through constant variation and invention over the centuries; this has become one of the richest graphic art traditions in the world.Most of these motifs are circular; and they can all be fitted into a square. Within those limitations is a seemingly endless range of designs; beginning with the dozens and dozens of root motifs mdash; rice plant; gingko; scallop; lightning; anchor; spool; raft; candle; scissors; fern; saki bottle; lotus blossom; mountain arrow; pine; wisteria; ship; rabbit; and scores of others. Practically every kind of plant; bird; animal; natural phenomenon; and manufactured object of Japanese culture was at one time or another included in a family crest. In addition; each of the root designs was treated to dozens of imaginative variations mdash; they were reproduced bilaterally; in triangles; diamonds; five- and six-pointed stars; in spirals; were built up in series; made to overlap; combined with each other; and so on. Some of these are classic and recognizable designs; like the yin-yang; linked rings; and treasure knot. Many of the others have rarely been seen in the West.Graphic artists; textile designers; pattern-makers; advertisers; and other commercial artists looking for an untapped source of novel; appealing designs will find a wealth of material here. Some of these motifs can be used to suggest an exotic flavor; and others are universal and can be used almost anywhere.
#515646 in eBooks 2012-07-31 2012-07-03File Name: B00A3IR5XE
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Fun. BrilliantBy CustomerInteresting. Quirky. Fun. Brilliant.0 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Three StarsBy george_yountsnot bad. Interesting13 of 13 people found the following review helpful. Knock; Knock; Whos There?By Leigh HarbinWho would have the nerve to write a play that asks the audience to turn ON their cell phones? The same fellow who has the nerve to question the authorship of Shakespeares plays while building his career on them; thats who.Unlike the canon of plays at the center of its dramatic debate; Mark Rylances I Am Shakespeare probably wont change your life; your heart; or your soul. This clever play might; however; change your mind about questions of alternative authorship of Shakespeares plays and/or the people who ask them. When a frustrated teacher called Frank broadcasts an internet chat show from his garage; urging listeners to consider various views about who wrote the plays and call in for discussion; hes magically joined by the ghosts of the Bard himself; along with several other candidates for his job as the greatest playwright of all time. As the debate comes to life through this unlikely device; its fun to read; and would perhaps be even more fun to perform. Using a blend of internet; film; and pop music to propel the action; the play echoes Steve Allens television program "Meeting of Minds" and the plays of Tom Stoppard; but something unique also emerges. Rylances dramatic take on these debates resembles his approach to acting in the plays. Theres plenty of intelligence and passion; but no stuffy; gratuitous reverence. Neither side of the debate escapes ridicule here. Ultimately; the joy emerges from the freedom to ask the questions rather than from winning the argument. For that alone; this unpretentious little gem is certainly refreshing; possibly revolutionary.