A history of the Japanese archipelago through the material objects for over fifteen millennia. This vibrant visual narration of life in the Japanese archipelago spans more than 15,000 years, unveiling the stories behind a fascinating selection of items from the British Museum Collection. It explores the region's history through objects, from the extensive prehistoric period, through the rise of Buddhism and an aristocratic military class in the classical and medieval periods of Japan, to the economic and cultural developments of the early modern and contemporary eras. Ancient fiery disks and jewelry, textiles and armor, folding banners, and modern manga offer images of the lives of farmers and merchants, medieval warriors, and contemporary women. A wide range of ceramics and sculptures, metalwork and lacquerware, paintings, prints, and textiles provides a rich and captivating portrait of a society and culture that holds a special place in the imagination of its citizens and visitors. Pages: 260, Year of Publication: 0331, Dimensions: 17x17cm