Nature on View: Homes and Gardens Inspired by Japan - Hardcover

Rao, Peggy Landers; Mahoney, Jean

4.14

7 ratings by Goodreads

9780834802995: Nature on View: Homes and Gardens Inspired by Japan

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0834802996 ISBN 13: 9780834802995

Publisher: Weatherhill, 1999

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The simple, organic form of the traditional Japanese home, designed to integrate with its surroundings, has had a profound effect on modern architecture. Since the mid-1800's, architects around the world have drawn inspiration from its ancient principles.

Nature on View presents a new chapter in that rich history with a look at 28 American homes and gardens located in various parts of the country. Together they demonstrate the current appeal and adaptability of timeless Japanese home design to Western lives and landscapes.

Shown here are country retreats, suburban homes, city apartments, guest houses, versatile teahouses, hilltop getaways and seaside residences. Ranging from luxurious to modest, some are brand new, while others are radical renovations of older homes. Each, however, incorporates basic principles of Japanese architecture in refreshing ways.

Jean Mahoney and Peggy Rao, authors of two earlier books that offer new ideas on living with Japanese antiques and artifacts, conduct this house and garden tour with their partner, photographer Toshiaki Sakuma. More than 180 full-color photographs focus on the fine craftsmanship, serene flexibility, decorative use of structural elements, and above all, the easy merger with the outdoors.

The accompanying text explains the origins of these appealing structures and introduces readers to the innovators involved. Some of the creators are professional landscapers, architects or designers; others are simply private citizens whose avocation became Japanese design. All share a heightened sensitivity to the natural environment.

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About the Author:

New Yorkers Jean Mahoney and Peggy Rao met in Tokyo in the 1980's and launched their odyssey as chroniclers of imaginative East/West blends. Jean Mahoney is a graphic designer and a watercolorist with a varied background in advertising art direction. Peggy Rao is a journalist and a copywriter with extensive experience in publishing and advertising.

Specializing in homes and gardens, Toshiaki Sakuma is a well known Tokyo photographer whose work includes the book "Ryokan: The Japanese Inn" and many contributions to leading Japanese magazines.

Shunichi Kamiya heads the international division of Shufunotomo Co. Ltd., one of Japan's oldest publishers.

Review:

"A stunning book that takes a look at 28 American homes and gardens that were constructed according to basic principles of traditional Japanese architecture and design...Even a cursory look through this book is bound to leave you buzzing with ideas for building a traditional Japanese dream house, landscaping a garden...or integrating antiques into Western homes or rooms." -- The Daily Yomiuri, Tokyo

A beautiful book...traditional Japanese principles filtered through Western eyes and creativity; old principles which have consequently become successful, modern innovations...For those who are interested in the actual details related to the renovation or construction of their own homes, there is a useful index...listing the names and sources of Japanese goods and design services in the U.S. and Canada, as well as a list of antique shops and markets in Japan." -- Eye-Ai Magazine, Tokyo

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