Japan and the Culture of the Four Seasons - by Haruo Shirane (Paperback)

This book, "Japan and the Culture of the Four Seasons," is a fascinating exploration of the rich cultural significance of nature and the seasons in Japanese society.

Through a wide range of artistic representations, including poetry, gardens, kimonos, and tea ceremonies, Shirane reveals how Japan's urban environment fostered a sense of harmony with the natural world just as nature began to recede from view.

The book provides a comprehensive overview of the cultural associations and functions of natural and seasonal topics across history, genre, and community, refuting the belief that this tradition reflects Japan's agrarian origins and mild climate.

With its elegant representations and richly encoded social, religious, and political meanings, "Japan and the Culture of the Four Seasons" is a must-read for anyone interested in Japanese culture, art, and history.