"This book provides a compelling background to the history of trade with the East, before turning to Europe to describe the excitement as artists - most notable Whistler and the Impressionists - discovered the newly arrived Japanese prints and artefacts and began to incorporate their influence into their work. The story spreads far beyond fine art, however, and follows the Japanese craze into the decorative arts, interior design, furnishings, fabrics and fashion as well as literature and the theatre. With his inimitable style and his rich store of well-chosen anecdotes, Lambourne brings the events to life, creating a vivid impression of the enthusiasm and inspiration that Japonisme generated." -- from interior flap. Includes bibliography and index. Printed in color and black-and-white.