An Artist's Letters from Japan

"An Artist's Letters from Japan" by John La Farge is a collection of personal letters written in the late 19th century. The book captures the author's impressions and observations of Japan during his travels, delving into various aspects of Japanese culture, art, architecture, and natural beauty. Through his detailed descriptive prose, La Farge provides a vivid account of his experiences, including encounters with local people, exploration of temples, and reflection on the aesthetics of the Japanese landscape. The opening of the work sets a captivating tone, as La Farge recounts his arrival in Yokohama after a long sea journey. He marvels at the beauty of the bay and the lively atmosphere created by Japanese boatmen and the picturesque scenery. His eagerness to explore the unfamiliar environment is evident, as he details the intricate sights and sounds he encounters, from bustling streets to the serene presence of nature. La Farge's letters serve as both a personal narrative and an artistic exploration, aiming to convey the profound cultural richness and sumptuous beauty he finds in Japan. Through carefully crafted imagery and thoughtful reflection, the opening chapters invite readers to join him on a fascinating journey of discovery. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

John La Farge was an American artist whose career spanned illustration, murals, interior design, painting, and popular books on his Asian travels and other art-related topics. La Farge made stained glass windows, mainly for churches on the American east coast, beginning with a large commission for Henry Hobson Richardson's Trinity Church in Boston in 1878, and continuing for thirty years. La Farge designed stained glass as an artist, as a specialist in color, and as a technical innovator, holding a patent granted in 1880 for superimposing panes of glass. That patent would be key in his dispute with contemporary and rival Louis Comfort Tiffany.