Reviews - In Praise of Shadows

In Praise of Shadows by Jun'ichirō Tanizaki

945 reviews for:

Recommended by several people. It was useful to understand the the traditional Japanese aesthetic which is minimalistic and subtle and see how the lack of bright lighting dramatically impacts design and perception. I suppose it stretched me to see while some people love the shadows in Japanese architecture, but it did not produce the same appreciate in me.

verofleitassolich's review against another edition

4.0

informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

luvzty_'s review against another edition

3.0

informative reflective fast-paced

mshusky's review against another edition

2.0

informative reflective medium-paced

rednax31a's review against another edition

5.0

informative inspiring mysterious reflective fast-paced

One of the most beautifully written books I've ever read. It's very human in the writing style, and really makes you reflect on your everyday life; from utensils to toilets, theatre and makeup, clothing and architecture.

renny808's review against another edition

5.0

Do I need to throw away all my ceramic dishes and only use candle light now?? Yes, yes, I think so.

Wow- This really spoke to my art historian heart. First it explores the differences between Western and Eastern aesthetics and design, which the author attributes to the West's historically increasing aversion to darkness. Then, he ruminates on how his contemporary Japan, in the 1930s, was embracing Western modernism and becoming rapidly and industrially lit up, to the detriment of Japanese traditional arts, food, and design which were meant to be appreciated in low light. Even though the essay is almost 100 years old, I thought it was beautiful and mostly it felt very fresh.