Our Thursday series features must-read books from each branch of the art bookshop NADiff. This week's pick is "Beautiful Books That Will Change the World: The Challenge of India's Tara Books." It's featured by Gallery 5, our Shinjuku branch in Tokyo (3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Opera City Tower, 3F).



■ "Beautiful Books That Will Change the World: The Challenge of India's Tara Books"

Have you heard of the South Indian publishing company Tara Books? Since 1995, this small publisher has gained worldwide recognition for its beautiful, handmade picture books, which feature silkscreen prints of artwork by ethnic minorities from across India on handmade paper and then hand-bound one by one. Although these books represent only a small portion of the publisher's total output, their artisan-like beauty and unique worldview create a truly compelling presence. This book introduces not only picture books, including representative works such as "Water Creatures" and "Night Tree," both of which are also available in Japanese, but also other art and educational books. The graphics of their other books, apart from the handmade ones, are also stunning, and it's clear at a glance that the meticulous design throughout their publications enhances their appeal. This book makes you realize that the way this small company of around 40 employees, rooted in South India, continues to produce beautiful books, albeit slowly and piece by piece, is a key focus in the future of "manufacturing." This book is also the official catalog for the exhibition of the same name currently being held at the Itabashi Art Museum.