WA: The Essence of Japanese Design

Rossella Menegazzo is Associate Professor of History of East Asian Art at the Università degli Studi of Milan. She completed her PhD Course in Oriental Studies at Ca' Foscari University of Venice in 2009, with a dissertation on Japanese art history and photography. She has curated several events and exhibitions and is the author of numerous texts on Japanese photography, graphic design and ukiyoe. She is a regular contributor to a number of national newspapers, writing articles on Japanese culture and art.

Stefania Piotti received her BA in East Asian studies from Ca' Foscari University of Venice specializing in Japanese textiles and the development of kimono design and patterns in particular. She has worked as translator and scientific coordinator in various exhibitions on Japanese art and as editor of Italian and English publications such as Imai. A Retrospective (Electa, 1998), Hokusai (Phaidon, 2004) and Japan Style (Phaidon, 2007).

"...Explores the beauty, essence, and enduring impact of Japanese design... Printed on craft paper and bound in the traditional Japanese style with a stitched spine and folded pages, the book itself is an art masterpiece."-Chopsticks Magazine

"For those unfamiliar with the Japanese term 'wa', it can be loosely translated to mean 'harmony.' The concept can be seen in many ways in Japanese culture; in this book it's defined through 250 objects - from a 16th century bamboo case to a 1950s Isamu Noguchi table to a modern-day silk robe by Kenzo. What you can be sure of: everything chosen for the book is beautifully designed - right down to the utilitarian Kikkoman soy sauce bottle."-The New York Post

"I used to be a graphic designer, so I think books as objects, like Phaidon's WA: The Essence of Japanese Design, make exceptional gifts. Intricately bound, it showcases a collection of Japanese products, from food to ceramics."-DuJour (Denmark)

"Menegazzo and Piotti distill centuries of the wabi-wabi way of life in this elegantly curated photograph album of everyday items... While minimalism might not be everyone's cup of green tea, those with the desire to pare down will surely find inspiration."-Publishers Weekly

"Exquisite... As an object itself, as well as a fantastic book that will further the knowledge and understanding of the sublime beauty of Japanese design."-Wendy Goodman, "New York" magazine

"...A beautiful compendium... What a shogun started in the 15th century still has currency today."-The New York Times An intellectually honest and provocative introduction to the culture of Japanese design practices."-Identity magazine