Kimono Design: An Introduction to Textiles and Patterns

by Keiko Nitanai

Kimono An Introduction to Textiles and Patterns uses hundreds of photographs and a wealth of information on colors, fabrics and embellishments to paint a portrait of Japanese culture, art and thought. Lavish classical patterns, sweeping scenes, and the many motifs that have been woven, dyed, painted or embroidered into these textiles reveal a reflectiveness, a sense of humor, and an appreciation of exquisite beauty that is uniquely Japanese.

Organized according to motifs traditionally associated with each season of the year, Kimono Design interprets the kimono's special language as expressed in depictions
Extensive notes on all the motifs demonstrate how the kimono reflects changing times and a sense of the timeless. Information on jewelry, hairpins and other accessories is scattered throughout to give a fuller sense of the Japanese art of dress. This is a volume that Japanophiles, historians, artists and designers will all cherish.

Genres: Art, Japan, Nonfiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published October 23, 2013

Reviews

[Irene Burricco · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful reading to know more about kimono and the Japanese culture. The collection of kimono is so beautiful, it brings peace and serenity to look at it.

[Suci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I expected that I would find the philosophy or maybe historical facts why certain motifs were created. I didn't give it 3 or even 2 stars because I just read it for fun, so the lacks of those aforementioned things were actually okay because I wasn't currently on any research regarding it. The kimonos were also very pleasing to see. I loved the layout, albeit it's pretty quintessential to most of the design books-it's neat.

[Christopher Kincaid · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found the book useful for my research, but unless you are researching or drawing or painting, you may not find this book useful. It is light on explanations and history.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite straightforward and well laid out, with gorgeous photos.

It really is an "introduction" so I can't fault it for that, but nevertheless I take a star off because there is so much less background and historical information than I would have liked. I felt it could have been a bit more comprehensive about fabrics, and different patterning for different types of people and occasions.

Some things did not match other information on the subject I have read, but it is a broad and old field. A bunch of new patterns I did not know about were in here, but also a few were notably left out.

This is a subject I am pretty interested in, and this is a fun book to dip in and out of, and I'm glad to have a hard copy.

[Dave Laskowski · Rating 5 out of 5]

beautiful

This book is a wonderful source for anyone interested in the fine art of Japanese kimono. I would love to visit the site and even more of a dream would be to meet Ms. Nitanai.

[Jose · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent overview of kimono motifs. The book is organized by seasons, with each motif adorning a kimono used to reveal something about the garments or Japan as a whole.

This is not a book to read to get a full organized overview of kimono history.

[Aishwarya · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has covered a large variety of prints and their origin. Very informative and useful. I wish the book gave a bit more information about Japanese culture. Overall, it's a good book.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I would have preferred a physical copy of this. The E-book had a poor layout.

[ツツ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mostly about the 20th century designs by corresponding seasons. Nice pictures, the descriptions are informative and no cap, I made so many notes, super easy to read I basically inhaled this book.