A week ago I led a tour for a young Japanese couple who after touring the house stated that they felt a certain Japanese influence in the design of the house. I explained to the couple who had almost no prior knowledge of Wright that indeed he was influenced by Japanese culture, had travelled to Japan several times and had designed the Imperial Hotel there as well as become a kind of dealer in Japanese fine art prints. They were happy with this connection and reasserted the clear Japanese influence in the design of Graycliff. I felt I needed to reacquaint myself with the story of Wright and Japanese prints. I found the linked article which is an excellent source on the subject as well as listing several other comprehensive resources on the issue. There are several books out on Wright's collecting and dealing in Japanese Woodblock prints, but we tend to forget about that aspect of the man because we are so focused on his architecture. It is good to remember that one did have an effect on the other as my Japanese guests noted very easily.
http://www.ukiyoe-gallery.com/flw.htm
George
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