Rossella Menegazzo

Get ready to embark on a journey across the globe with Travel COOLture, the must-have travel guides for modern travelers craving the soul of a destination.   In the era of apps for every possible need, these handy volumes provide a deeper connection with the historical and cultural nuances that shape a locale's identity. Concise yet rich texts, jaw-dropping visuals, and fascinating tidbits: every page is an invitation to feel the vibe of a place long before it unfolds in front of your eyes. Discover the culture of Japan through its art, cuisine, theater, fashion, spirituality, and more!

The first and only survey of Japanese design as seen through the lens of Japan's traditional colour spectrum - an exquisitely packaged fresh take on a universally popular topic The traditional colours of Japan have been in use since the seventh century, originally to indicate rank and social hierarchy but, over time, their significance has broadened to include all manner of designed objects. This landmark volume celebrates a curated selection of 200 colours (iro in Japanese), with each traditional shade illustrated by one or more items - ranging from 16th-century kimonos to contemporary chairs, humble kitchen utensils to precious ceramics - providing a unique route to a deeper appreciation of Japanese design. Expertly bound in a traditional Japanese style, this stunning book is a beautiful design object in its own right and is a must-have for all lovers of design.

Recognized as one of the most interesting and vibrant artists of the Edo period, Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797-1861) is a major exponent of ukiyo-e. His fame is tied to the series of polychrome xylographs that illustrate the 108 heroes from the novel Suikoden (Brigands), a late-18th-century bestseller in China and Japan that described a band of brigands who defend those oppressed by injustice and government corruption. The book conjures imagery of violent, powerful warriors with muscular tattooed bodies--imagery that today inspires manga, anime, tattoo artists and illustrators across the world. Kuniyoshi embraced the genre of warrior prints, but he was also interested in portraits of female beauties, kabuki actors, landscapes, children and ghosts, another greatly admired genre in Japan. Nonetheless, his name is above all associated with Arcimboldo-like composite figures, figures within figures and parodies of stories and battles. His images are fantastical, baroque, rich in color and detail, with imposing characters and dynamic actions. This book surveys the work of a versatile and intriguing figure whose impressive technique birthed a school that continued for generations.