Japanese philosopher and aesthete Yanagi passes on a philosophy of aesthetic beauty in folk crafts and ceramics within the Japanese tradition.

Fra baksideomtalen: "This book challenges the conventional ideas of art and beauty. What is the value of things made by an unknown craftsman in a set tradition for a lifetime?"

The evolution of the surfboard, from traditional Hawaiian folk designs to masterpieces of mathematical engineering to mass-produced fiberglass. Surfboards were once made of wood and shaped by hand, objects of both cultural and recreational significance. Today most surfboards are mass-produced with fiberglass and a stew of petrochemicals, moving (or floating) billboards for athletes and their brands, emphasizing the commercial rather than the cultural. Surf Craft maps this evolution, examining surfboard design and craft with 150 color images and an insightful text. From the ancient Hawaiian alaia, the traditional board of the common people, to the unadorned boards designed with mathematical precision (but built by hand) by Bob Simmons, to the store-bought longboards popularized by the 1959 surf-exploitation movie Gidget, board design reflects both aesthetics and history. The decline of traditional alaia board riding is not only an example of a lost art but also a metaphor for the disintegration of traditional culture after the Republic of Hawaii was overthrown and annexed in the 1890s.In his text, Richard Kenvin looks at the craft and design of surfboards from a historical and cultural perspective. He views board design as an exemplary model of mingei, or art of the people, and the craft philosophy of Soetsu Yanagi. Yanagi believed that a design's true beauty and purpose are revealed when it is put to its intended use. In its purest form, the craft of board building, along with the act of surfing itself, exemplifies mingei. Surf Craft pays particular attention to Bob Simmons's boards, which are striking examples of this kind of functional design, mirroring the work of postwar modern California designers.Surf Craft is published in conjunction with an exhibition at San Diego's Mingei International Museum.

Akio Yamane's bloodline is cursed! Will his hot guardian deity break the curse...or merely his heart in the process? Between Akio Yamane's cursed bloodline and Tsumugi Shirota's family trickery, guardian deities Setsu and Kurayori have their hands full. Throw love in the mix and it's no wonder fireworks erupt! Since his fiancee's death, Magawa has held a grudge against otherworldly beings, and now his sights are set on Master Kurayori. As the guardian deity slowly disappears, Tsumugi clings desperately to him-the one person he's loved most since childhood. Is there anything he can say to Magawa and Kai to change his beloved's fate?

When Shito is kidnapped, Chika, Michiru, and the group's newest addition - the axeman Sotetsu - don't hesitate to rescue their tall, dark, and grumpy friend. But the battle leaves them beat afterward, and Koyomi decides some all-night karaoke is the best cure. Little do they know that the very people behind all the illegal zombie activity are getting their groove on in the very next room!

These high-quality note cards feature a wonderful look at Japanese culture and family life, borrowed from the beautifully illustrated children's book Japanese Traditions. These 12 carefully selected images are an intricately illustrated romp through the childhood reminiscences of author/illustrator Setsu Broderick, and each are designed to celebrate a month of the year. On the back of each card Sentu tells a brief history or meaning of each fun, light-hearted scene. Japanese Cats Note Cards are an excellent value a fraction of the price of other fine art print note cards with envelopes. These fine quality blank note cards are printed with 12 different scenes and accompanying envelopes. On the back of each card is a short description of the front design 12 folded blank note cards 6 x 4 inches (152 x 102 mm) 12 envelopes 6 1/4 x 4 1/4 inches (160 x 108 mm)

Akio Yamane's bloodline is cursed! Will his hot guardian deity break the curse...or merely his heart in the process? Between Akio Yamane's cursed bloodline and Tsumugi Shirota's family trickery, guardian deities Setsu and Kurayori have their hands full. Throw love in the mix and it's no wonder fireworks erupt! High schooler Tsumugi is the temporary bride of the otherworldy Master Kurayori. Recently, their everyday life has become complicated by the arrival of a strange man named Magawa, who, in his grief over losing his fiancee, is seeking to use beings like Master Kurayori for his own ends. Tsumugi's love for Master Kurayori is so great and pure it overcomes gender, age, and species. But is love enough to save his beloved from the ill fate awaiting him?

Kyoko Mogami followed her true love Sho to Tokyo to support him while he made it big as an idol. But he's casting her out now that he's famous Kyoko won't suffer in silence--she's going to get her sweet revenge by beating Sho in show biz Kyoko's time in Guam is coming to an end, and with it her role as Setsu. She's sad that she won't have an excuse to be near Ren anymore, but unbeknownst to her, Ren is even more affected by their parting than she is Facing his demons finally let him believe in the bright future Kyoko represents. But back in Japan, her dark past is rearing its ugly head. Will it get in the way of Kyoko's hopes of a happily ever after?

Use fresh flowers to make a dramatic difference in your home and dazzle with the power of flowers when you entertain! Decorating with Flowers celebrates the latest trends in contemporary floral design with a tropical twist. Featuring inspired table settings and installations, this extraordinary flower arranging book will encourage you to create your own unforgettable floral creations. Be inspired to conjure a magical setting for group entertaining or craft a stunning decoration for intimate celebrations. The ten designers and artists showcased share the ideas and insights behind their floral arrangements each of which is shown in detailed photos making this an excellent guide for interior decorators, florists, event planners and homeowners looking to add some pizzazz to a space. Featuring over 300 color photographs, Decorating with Flowers has something for everyone from glamorous Flemish flower arrangements to modern Sogetsu ikebana styles, and modular flower sculptures created to enhance minimalist, contemporary spaces.