This is an auction for THE ART OF THE JAPANESE PACKAGE by Hideyuki Oka.

This is the catalogue of an exhibition which travelled throughout Australia and New Zealand in 1979-80.

"The French philosopher Roland Barthes (1915-1980) pointed out in his 1970 work, "Empire of Signs," how important visual exteriors are in Japan, especially when it comes to gift wrapping. The word "tsutsumu" translates as "wrap," but its meaning goes far beyond the mere function of packaging. The concept combines creative gift-wrapping ideas and warm hospitality, leading to designs that are both practical and aesthetically appealing. This book showcases about packages collected by graphic designer Hideyuki Oka (1905-1995). Oka, fascinated by the beauty of packaging, started out by collecting food and confectionery containers. The earliest packaging methods were born of necessity: people needed to preserve food and make it portable. In traditional times, every gift, craft or daily commodity was wrapped in natural materials, such as rice straw, bamboo, earthenware containers or "washi" paper. People in rural areas used whatever materials were found at hand. Oka observed that the same aesthetic values found in traditional Japanese art were mirrored in packaging for products used in daily life. He was also deeply concerned about the decline of traditional craftsmanship in modern life. During the 1960s and 1970s Oka’s collection was exhibited around the world, and Japanese packaging became widely recognized for its sophisticated and well-crafted design."

Large format paperback 1979.

215 pages.

Photographs - mainly black and white - throughout.

Good condition.

The cost of shipping is $4.95, or $6.95 by tracked mail. If you are on rural delivery and want tracked mail, the shipping cost will be $9.95.

There is of course no charge for shipping if you collect this book from my shop in Palmerston ?North following the auction.

Payment within seven days, please.