In Praise of Shadows Paperback – December 1, 1977

I can't call this an essay, in the sense of offering a logical progression in support of some thesis. Instead, it's a meandering stroll through one mans thoughts as Japan started toward Westernization. It's a pleasure to see this writer carry contradictory ideas without conflict between them. For example, he rhapsodizes about the elegance of traditional Japanese toilets, separated from living quarters but having nothing else in common with an American outhouse. He contrasts that with the sterile garishness of white Western porcelain. But, at the same time, he acknowledges the practicality of indoor plumbing, especially where population densities increase. Likewise, he seems at peace with the benefit and inevitability of electric lighting (this was in the 1930s) and telephones, at the same time that he laments how difficult they are to resolve with the majestic simplicity of traditional Japanese architecture.This, I think, is how his 'shadows' enter into his thoughts. For centuries, indoor lighting had been diffuse and indirect sunlight with only subtle influence on interior rooms, or the flame of a candle or oil lamp. With darkness a fact of life, not a problem to solve, Tanizaki explores how architecture, decor, even clothing and dining evolved to make the most of its contrasts. The gold flecks in lacquerware would stand out like stars in the night when candle-lit, not just sit flat as pointless bits of decoration. He goes on to discuss how traditional theater forms used the contrast of darkness and li ght, and how that is lost in the glare of artificial light.Tanizaki's sense of loss seems more wistful, an acknowledgement of the inevitable, and less a protest of erased culture. Perhaps that's what keeps this brief book relevant today. Without wholly condemning the Western influence on Asian society, he brings a different view, a different set of assumptions to even the most mundane details of life. As I reflect on it, I see the attraction in that view, and it makes me think about how it could help deepen and enrich out modern world.-- wiredweird.

Short condensed book that is enlightening on old traditional Japanese aesthetics, from dimly lit interiors to the refinements of tea and incense ceremonies.Beautiful writing in translation. Have given this as a gift.

Provided a view of the Oriented perspective of light and shadow and how that perspective exists within the culture. Well written and well presented. Very informative.

A must for the students of Japanese architecture and design.If you are unfamiliar with traditional Japanese architecture, theatres, handicraft and other designs, you may have to consult good photography books on these subjects since "In Praise of Shadows" does not contain any illustration.On the surface this spirited essay is on the significance of shades and shadows -and their associated silence and coolness- as the milieu for aesthetic appreciation of every-day objects. The author, Tanizaki Jun'ichiro, one of the most influential men of letters in the 20th Centrury Japan, unfolds persuasive arguments, sometimes drawing upon not-so-universal examples. For instance, not all traditional Japanese toilets were as inspiring as the ones he describes. Not all Japanese houses had an alcove (tokonoma) that meets his criteria. His tokonoma is essentially that of a well-designed Sukiya-zukuri style house, whereas a Shoin-zukuri style house may have had walls with painted pictures rather than a subdued sand-textured surface, and a Minka style farm house may have had no tokonoma. Likewise, not all Japanese women of the past had a body of a flat stick as he alludes, even though traditionally the expression "dejiri, hatomune" (bulging derriere, pigeon's bust) wasn't a compliment at all.A few forcible generalizations aside, Tanizaki's analyses are bold, well thought out, timeless, and almost painfully sensitive. It is arguably the best essay on traditional Japanese designs ever written by a non-designer. Still, the real thrust of this essay may be "In Paise of Aestheticism." For him, aestheticism was what enabled the Japanese to triumph over the imperfect materials their life was made of. He was fascinated by the power of minimalism where all noises are turned off and a few essential elements are let grow in intensity and depth in the profound darkness of shades and shadows. It appears that he was resigned to the inevitable advance of Western civilization and the material enrichment it brings about. He does not attempt to offer any serious prescription for it. Instead, he reaffirms his intention to explore further the shades and shadows in his realm of literature.

Shadows have always intrigued. Shadows cast a human emotion of fear and intrigue. Intrigue entwined within shadows is a deeply embedded HIDDEN human intelligence that one casts into the light to contrast the happy, light, bright and airy. Shadows are powerful and similar to the painters who reveled in their innate talent of chiaroscuro, Mr. Tanizaki reveled and revealed in how his culture intellectually lived amongst the shadows in all aspects of reality. Reality is an emotion and not what we see as tangible.....shadows obscure what we seek to "see" but "brings to light" an emotional power that can only be truly felt by a deeply emotional dependence upon shadows.

The least this publisher could have done was to spell the author’s name correctly in the listing. The Amazon listing shows “Tanazak” but the author’s name is Tanazaki. Seriously. This edition reads like a poor draft translation that was slammed onto Amazon to pad the publisher’s accounts. No care was given to the details. Recommended only with these reservations.

A must read for understanding concepts in traditional Japanese design