WA: The Essence of Japanese Design [Hardcover]

Explore the enduring beauty of Japanese design through some 250 objects, ranging from bento boxes, calligraphy brushes, and Shoji sliding doors to Noguchi’s Akari lamp, the iconic Kikkoman soy sauce bootle, and a modern‐day kimono designed by Issey Miyake.

Printed on craft paper and bound in the traditional Japanese style,WAfeatures stunning, full‐page illustrations and an introduction by MUJI art director Kenya Hara.

"...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'sWA: The Essence of Japanese Design, make exceptional gifts. Intricately bound, it showcases a collection of Japanese products, from food to ceramics."—DuJour (Denmark)