Japanese Costuming/Textile Books

How To

Shibori: The Inventive Art of Japanese Shaped Resist Dyeing - Tradition Techniques Innovation
by Yoshiko Wada, Mary Kellogg Rice, and Jane Barton
Publisher: Kodansha International Ltd. Tokyo, New York and San Francisco
ISBN 0-87011-559-6
ISBN4-7700-1063-X C0072 Y13000E (in Japan)
Copyright in Japan 1983
This is the ultimate book on Shibori dyeing techniques. I found it in a used bookstore for $85. Other people report paying $125. Recently, a paperback version with no color photographs and fewer black and white photographs has recently come out for $45. This book has background information, and decent instructions, so you can learn how to do shibori. Recommended by Carole Parker.

Make Your Own Japanese Clothes
Patterns and Ideas for Modern Wear
by John Marshall
ISBN 0-87011-865-X
ISBN4-7700-1365-5 C0077 P2800E (in Japan)
Copyright 1988 by Kodansha International Ltd.
If you can't find a pattern, this is the book for you. Some have found it difficult to use, but others love it. The directions are for hand sewing, so be aware. Recommended by Jane Beckman.

The Book of Kimono
The Complete Guide to Style and Wear
by Norio Yamanaka
ISBN 0-87011-785-8
ISBN4-7700-1285-3 C2077 P2400E (in Japan)
Copyright 1982 by Kodansha International Ltd.
After the brief history, how kimono are made, and the other garments plus accessories involved, they get to how you wear a kimono, what kind of kimono should be worn when, and how to put it all together properly. Clear illustrations are very useful. They even have an etiquette section that covers posture and movement in a kimono. Recommended by Carole Parker.

Sashiko and Beyond
Techniques and projects for quilting in the Japanese style
by Saikoh Takano
ISBN 0-8019-8514-5
Copyright Saikoh Takano 1993 (Reprinted 1994)
So basic a book, you're even shown which way to stitch a particular pattern. Plus you're given templates and patterns to work from. Recommended by Carole Parker.

Katazome
Japanese Paste-Resist Dyeing for Contemporary Use
by Kumiko Murashima
ISBN 0-937274-72-0
Copyright 1993, Lark Books
This book has the recipes for the resist paste as well as the sizing. Recommended by Carole Parker.

Historical

Kimono
Fashioning Culture
by Liza Dalby
ISBN 0-300-05639-7
Copyright 1993 by Liza Crihfield Dalby
A well researched book that anyone who wants to understand about kimono and the things that have influenced them over the years must read. Also shows historical variants of kimono and hairstyles. Has black and white line drawings. Recommended by Jane Beckman and Carole Parker.

Japanese Costume and Textile Arts
by Seiroku Noma
ISBN 0-8348-1026-3
Copyright 1965, 1974 by Heibonsha. First English Edition, 1974.
This book is part of a series of books - Volume 16 of The Heibonsha Survey of Japanese Art. A statement says: This book was originally published in Japanese by Heibonsha under the title Kosode to No-isho in the Nihon no Bijutsu series. This book also covers textile history and influences. What this book has that the Dalby book does not have is photographs - both color and black and white. They have examples where it looks like patchwork on the kimono - as in different pieces were pieced together to form a kimono. Very interesting. Recommended by Carole Parker.

Inspiration

It seems like all books referring to Japanese textiles have some historical information in them. However, these books have lots of pictures, and some of the pictures are of contemporary kimono not necessarily done by Japanense masters. They are, however, inspiring to someone who might be interested in trying to create a kimono.

Beyond the Tanabata Bridge
Traditional Japanese Textiles
Edited by William Jay Rathbun
ISBN 0-500-01586-4
Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 93-60436
Copyright 1993 by the Seattle Art Museum
A wonderful book with beautiful photographs. They not only cover the more popular aspects, but they include a section on the Ainu textiles. The Ainu are to Japan what the Aborigine are to Australia. A beautiful coffee table book. Recommended by Carole Parker.

Four Centuries of Fashion
Classical Kimono
From the Kyoto National Museum
ISBN 0-939117-09-6
Copyright 1997 by the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco
A statement reads:

Published by the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco
on the occasion of the exhbition
Four Centuries of Fashion: Classical Kimono from the Kyoto National Museum
February 5-March 23, 1997, jointly organized by the Asian Art Museum, the Kyoto National Museum, and the Agency for Cultural Affairs.

This softbound book is probably out of print and unavailable, so if you find it, grab it. Great pictures along with the historical information. Recommended by Carole Parker.

The Kimono Inspiration
Art and Art-to-Wear in America
The Textile Museum, Washingto, D.C.
Edited by Rebecca A.T. Stevens and Yoshiko Iwamoto Wada
ISBN 0-87654-598-3
Copyright 1996 The Textile Museum, Washington, D.C.
This is the book that shows historical and contemporary kimono. Receommended by Carole Parker.

Other

The Kimono Mind
An Informal Guide to Japan and the Japanese...
by Bernard Rudofsky
ISBN 0-442-27833-0
Copyright 1982 by Bernard Rudofsky
A book to read on a flight to Japan that might help you understand some things.

If you have another Japanese costuming, textile, or how to book recommendation, please send me the information, and I will be happy to include it.

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