First published in 1876, when many considered Japanese art a mere curiosity, A Glimpse at the Art of Japan presents Jarves remarkable examination of the problems of Japanese aesthetics, offering a penetrating analysis of the historical, religious, and social influences on the development of art in Japan. Supporting the thesis that art gives true expression to the aspirations of a nation, Jarves discusses such issues as: the influence of Shintoism and Buddhism on Japanese art; Buddhism as the "nursery of art"; the Japanese aesthetic ideal and the Grecian form; the literature and poetry of Japan; Japanese decorative and ornamental art; and the Japanese conception of Nature—all in addition to a continuing discussion of the distinguishing characteristics of Japanese aesthetics.