By Jun'ichiro Tanizaki
An essay by the Japanese novelist 'Jun'ichiro Tanizaki' illustrates a commentary on everything from Architecture to food, drama to female beauty. A very easy to read, sometimes humorous insight into how things could have been without the influence of Western culture on Japan.
The essay evokes thoughts concerning the technological impacts introduced by the west, and the impression of somewhat warping the lives and culture of the East, leading it down an unpredicted and unparalleled path.
To me, the book introduces a new way of thinking, themes including cause and effect, as well as highlighting the unusual subtleties that make things beautiful that us Westerners overlook, ignore and can not comprehend.
Favourite quote/ passage:
"Lacquerware decorated in gold is not something to be seen in brilliant light, to be taken in at a single glance; it should be left in the dark, a part here and a part there picked up by a faint light.It's florid patterns recede into the darkness, conjuring in their stead an inexpressible aura of depth and mystery, of overtones but partly suggested."
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