Myths of China and Japan with illustrations in colour & monochrome after paintings and photographs

Delving into the ancient stories of China and Japan, this study reveals how myths can illuminate the rise and spread of early civilization. It argues against the notion of a completely isolated East Asian culture, showing that ideas, symbols and rituals traveled across borders long before modern contact. By comparing legends, artifacts and religious concepts, the author highlights surprising parallels that hint at shared origins and mutual influence.

The narrative also cautions readers to treat traditional chronologies with a critical eye, pointing out how later political agendas reshaped early histories. Through careful examination of jade symbolism, dragon imagery and other motifs, the book uncovers layers of cultural borrowing from distant regions such as the Byzantine world and even distant Celtic societies. Ultimately, it offers a nuanced picture of how the mythic imagination of China and Japan was shaped by a dynamic web of cross‑cultural exchange.