A Tractate on Japanese Aesthetics

As someone just learning about traditional Japanese culture, this book served as a great intro to the terms and how they are generally used. It made for fascinating reading and was particularly helpful in understanding the place that aesthetics held at one point in time in Japan. While I was saddened to understand that many of these concepts have become "fossilized" as the author says, it also fired my imagination to read about the unique viewpoint the Japanese had about art.

I'm not sure I got as much out of it as I anticipated from previous reviews. It does condense and make coherent a lot of the other sources one would be looking at as alternatives. That is a big plus. The writing is definitely geared toward a rational personality type and makes a good introduction that will hopefully encourage a much deeper look into the "Ways" connected to Japanese aesthetics. That style certainly appealed to me, but might seem to miss the nuances of other authors for some readers. The bibliography is great for what to read next. Overall a recommended starter.

This book sums up admirably the differences in Western and Eastern aesthetics, and gives valuable insight into the Japanese mind. If you have ever wondered how Japanese artists think, this is the book for you. In addition it is quite easy to read, and makes difficult concepts entirely acessible to the novice.

This little tractate is filled to the brim with knowledgeable and thoughtful explanations of various terms useful when considering Japanese aesthetics. Unlike so many 'touchy-feely' types of books about, for example, wabi-sabi, that go on and on with overwrought explanations, this book is concise, accurate, and profound.

Not an especially eye opening book, a bit stiff in the presentation, rather text book.

It is a very thin book but bears deep and lengthy (and might I say, enjoyable) contemplation. It is my first book by the author and I look forward to exploring others.

fascinating study of Japanese love of beauty in art and nature. Full of intriguing insights that gives the non specialist an understanding of Japan's complex culture. my only complaint is that Richie's book is all too short.

A remarkably erudite book that explores the immense richness of Japanese aesthetics. A thoroughly recommended read for anyone interested in Japanese thought or the subject of aesthetics.

Comprehensive and readable. Perfect introduction to the topic.

excellent

Aesthetics is a difficult subject and Japanese aesthetics has its own complexities. As well, there seems to be a lack of consensus on exactly what is and isn't Japanese aesthetics. This is not a quick read, even though it is only a few pages long, but reading it slowly and reflecting as you go, will be rewarding. At least you'll know that Wabi-Sabi is the only feature of Japanese aesthetics!

Com argumentos inteligentes e muita bagagem cultural, Donald Richie discorre com elegância sobre alguns dos termos que permeiam a estética oriental. Algumas de suas conceituações são bastante ricas, outras, um tanto generalizadas. Perfeito para quem está começando sua jornada na estética japonesa ou tem curiosidade sobre a lógica dessa cultura espetacular.

I loved reading this book or maybe I should say I love doing it, since I am reading it again. It is becoming one of my favourite reference books that are also a delight to read. The structure in which this Tractate was written, following the Japanese rules of Zuhitsu, is an art practice in itself. And the analysis of Japanese aesthetics vs. our Western artistic values is very enlightening and inspiring. It is a book that is easy to read though the concepts presented may take some time to comprehend in depth, since they belong to an entirely different culture. Along with 'Wabi-sabi for Artists, Designers, Poets & Philosophers' by Leonard Koren and 'In Praise of Shadows' by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki, I recommend this book to every reader as an introduction to Japanese and Oriental artistic and ethical principles.