During this period, a typical Japanese scholar or artist refused to acknowledge the outside world, much like a "frog in the well that knows nothing of the ocean," but Kazan actively sought out Western learning. He appreciated European civilization and bought every scrap of European art that was available in Japan. He became a painter to help his family out of poverty and, by employing the artistic techniques of the West, achieved great success with his realistic and stylistically advanced portraits.
Although he remained a nationalist committed to the old ways, Kazan called on the shogunate to learn from the West or risk disaster. He strove to improve the agricultural and economic conditions of his province and reinforce its defenses, but his criticisms and warnings about possible coastal invasions ultimately led to his arrest and exile.
"Frog in the Well" is the first full-length biography of Kazan in English, and, in telling his life's story, renowned scholar Donald Keene paints a fascinating portrait of the social and intellectual milieus of the late Tokugawa period. Richly illustrated with Kazan's paintings, many in color, "Frog in the Well" illuminates a life that is emblematic of thecultural crises affecting Japan in the years before revolution.
Or split into 4x interest-free payments of 25% on orders over R50
Learn more
During this period, a typical Japanese scholar or artist refused to acknowledge the outside world, much like a "frog in the well that knows nothing of the ocean," but Kazan actively sought out Western learning. He appreciated European civilization and bought every scrap of European art that was available in Japan. He became a painter to help his family out of poverty and, by employing the artistic techniques of the West, achieved great success with his realistic and stylistically advanced portraits.
Although he remained a nationalist committed to the old ways, Kazan called on the shogunate to learn from the West or risk disaster. He strove to improve the agricultural and economic conditions of his province and reinforce its defenses, but his criticisms and warnings about possible coastal invasions ultimately led to his arrest and exile.
"Frog in the Well" is the first full-length biography of Kazan in English, and, in telling his life's story, renowned scholar Donald Keene paints a fascinating portrait of the social and intellectual milieus of the late Tokugawa period. Richly illustrated with Kazan's paintings, many in color, "Frog in the Well" illuminates a life that is emblematic of thecultural crises affecting Japan in the years before revolution.
Imprint | Columbia University Press |
Country of origin | United States |
Series | Asia Perspectives: History, Society, and Culture |
Release date | June 2006 |
Availability | Supplier out of stock. If you add this item to your wish list we will let you know when it becomes available. |
First published | June 2006 |
Authors | Donald Keene |
Dimensions | 229 x 140 x 26mm (L x W x T) |
Format | Hardcover - Trade binding |
Pages | 304 |
ISBN-13 | 978-0-231-13826-0 |
Barcode | 9780231138260 |
Categories | |
LSN | 0-231-13826-1 |