Japan Modern presents an overview of Japanese printing in the first half of the 20th century. Japan was flourishing in the years following the turn of the century: modern city culture offered plenty of opportunities, the landscape changed, the rights of women began to improve and optimism abounded. At the same time, these vast cultural shifts produced feelings of nostalgia. Prints made in this period portray the turbulent times unlike anything else. Using an ancient wood-carving technique, artists show us modern life: streets scenes with high-rise buildings, cars, railroads, factories and Japanese women with modern hairdos dancing and drinking cocktails. However, more traditional subjects, such as idealized portraits of women and romantic landscapes are portrayed as well. Unique in the Netherlands, the Elise Wessels collection of modern Japanese prints is counted among the best in its field (outside of Japan). This superbly designed volume displays its assets to superb effect.