Kishin Shinoyama
Shoku
Published by Ushio Shupannsha, 2014
Book size 24 x 32 x 3 cm
358 pages
Softcover, coming in a book box.
Rare book
Good condition
This book is -without doubt- one of the most beautiful Japanese books on food. Shinoyama explores in this true masterpiece this theme which is at the border between human desire and basic need. The book begins with the scene of a Japanese tea ceremony. Then come the sugar cakes, the traditional meals, and the meals of a more family cuisine that the Japanese eat as much at home as in the restaurant: tonkatsu, okonomiyaki, tempura, sashimi etc.
The very bright colors and the use of macro zoom on freshly prepared dishes and ingredients awaken our taste buds and trigger our appetite. The photographer, by his raw and methodical way of revealing food and dishes, reveals himself a cruel touch and plays with the erotic character of the food. It seems as much to challenge as to play with the reader. We are finally faced with a perfect illustration of the concept of food porn. The object, itself carefully nestled in a golden slipcase, plays in the courtyard of great splendors and great decadences.
This book is probably one of the most beautiful Japanese books on food. Shinoyama explores in this true masterpiece this theme which is on the border between desire and fundamental human need. The book begins with the scene of a Japanese tea ceremony. Then come the sugar cakes, the traditional meals, and the meals of a more family cuisine that the Japanese enjoy as much at home as in restaurants: tonkatsu, okonomiyaki, tempura, sashimi etc.
The very bright colors and the use of macro zoom on the freshly prepared dishes and ingredients awaken our taste buds and trigger the appetite. The photographer, through his raw and methodical way of revealing the food and dishes, reveals himself to be a bit cruel and plays with the erotic nature of food. He seems to challenge as much as play with the reader. We are finally faced with a perfect illustration of the concept of food porn. LThe object, itself carefully nestled in a golden case, plays in the court of great splendors and great decadences.