"Japanese prints have enthralled collectors in the West since the middle of the nineteenth century, when woodblock prints of landscapes, courtesans, kabuki actors, and warriors introduced the "floating world" of Edo period (1615-1868) Japan to an international audience. Masterful Illusions presents the collection of Anne van Biema, who began acquiring prints in the early 1960s.

In contrast to collectors who have set out to form comprehensive representations of the varied artistic schools and subjects of Japanese prints, Anne van Biema has collected prints that interest her aesthetically and subjects that appeal to her imagination. The 332 prints included in this book reflect her fascination with dynamic and imaginative themes drawn from kabuki theater, history, and legend.".

"In Masterful Illusions, scholars discuss major themes of the prints as they elucidate the historic, economic, and cultural environment of the Edo period. Essays by Donald Keene and Andrew Gerstle describe kabuki in Edo and Osaka, two major centers for theaters and print publishing. Elizabeth de Sabato Swinton writes on the history of warrior prints in the Edo period. Joshua Mostow discusses poetry and classical literature as the inspiration for many of the most evocative prints in the collection.

Detailed commentary on 138 prints includes new translations of texts and interpretative analysis that sheds light on the prints and their meaning in a world that has long since disappeared. Masterful Illusions will appeal to those interested in Japanese art, history, theater, and literature."--BOOK JACKET.