LOST PAGES IN JAPAN’S ART HISTORY

The present state of research in Japanese arts is characterized not only by a considerable number of retrospective narratives and conceptual works, but also by the prevalence of die-hard stereotypes. Most general works on Japan’s art history tend to elaborate on time-proven cultural phenomena commanding a warranted interest in the West. A researcher into materials new to the academic discourse is then faced with such challenges as scarcity of accessible factual information, non-unified terminology and unagreed appreciation criteria. Among the cultural phenomena neglected by the mainstream narratives of art history seems to be okimono, Japanese miniature plastic arts for decorating the interior.