Japanese Bookbinding: Instructions From A Master Craftsman

by Kojiro Ikegami

A third-generation traditional bookbinder gives easy-to-follow instructions for making all the major, historically important styles of Japanese bindings as well as traditional book cases—the custom-made folding boxes that afford handsome protection for Japan's exquisite books.

The authoritative text, written by one of Japan's leading professional bookbinders, has been fully adapted for Western readers. Both American and Japanese suppliers of traditional tools and materials are provided and substitutes are recommended for items not readily available.

For centuries the West has admired Japanese books, but only now can we make them ourselves and take full advantage of their creative possibilities. Stunning and practical, these bindings are ideal for preserving calligraphy, letters, artwork, and poems, for adding a distinctive touch to limited-edition books, and for use as diaries or gifts.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Japan, Crafts, Reference, How To, Books About Books

148 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 1986

Reviews

[GoldGato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kojiro Ikegami was a master bookbinder of Japanese hardbound books, a craft he learned from his father. He was a young man during the 1920s, when Japanese texts were copied by hand and the manually made books were works of art. His memories of youth in the Preface of this volume is a tribute to the love of bound paper.

My father seemed at his happiest when he was binding books. Watching him go through the steps of the binding process is one of the most treasured memories of my childhood.

Ikegami brought his own love of this ancient art to this book, which has well-explained instructions and an abundance of pictures to begin the teaching process. I even tried some of this myself, even though I lacked the tools needed. Nevertheless, the results weren't too bad, although I simply couldn't get the hang of the corner pieces. There are many styles included, but the following looked especially pretty.

ACCORDION



FOUR-HOLE BINDING



CASES




This is a great book for anyone who wants to be creative with paper and learn an art form at the same time. Very instructive and a book that has earned its way into my permanent collection. Also, anyone interested can also check out the various Japanese bookbinding studios that are springing up all over, such as this one in London.

Book Season = Year Round (paper rules)

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the few books on this subject worth owning. I refer to this book often for inspiration, I find the traditional work style very attractive and thoughtful. I learned almost everything I know about Japanese binding from this volume, so I can recommend it without hesitation.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun introduction and guidebook to Japanese bookbinding techniques. There are copious photos and detailed instructions. Lots of ideas for crafting. Now, if only someone would turn each of the beautifully photographed bookbinding instructions into a step-by-step video! This would help clarify the parts concerning stitching. Still possible by following the static instructions in the book, but it would just be easier to learn.

[Margaret · Rating 4 out of 5]

The illustrations could have been bigger, but overall one of the best, if not the best, references to traditional Asian binding styles. Conquer these formats, and you've pretty much experienced the evolution of all bookbinding.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well illustrated with clear instructions. It's a very specialized book, I recommend looking at a library copy before buying.

It may be the only one in English, except for a autobiographical book on the subject which I've been told was not very good. It's not expensive and easy to find. Now to dig out my silk and other materials!

[Doug Mccallum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably the best book on the subject. It gives very detailed instruction on how to make books in the Japanese tradition. This is not a beginners guide to bookbinding. Some background in the subject makes it easier to follow.

[Raven]

"In contrast to other bindings, which more often thanrr not were printed with religious texts, multisection books seem to have been used almost exclusively for handwritten copies of native Japanese literature including poetry anthologies, novels and diaries. In fact, some scholars refer to this style as Yamato binding to indicate its native Japanese origins."

"The flyleaf found on novels published by booksellers during the Edo period usually consists of a single page rather than a pouch-style folded page. Sometimes you will find books of this period that have been rebound with a folded-page flyleaf, an indication that the person who performed the rebinding did not know the correct style."

"Washi, although often erroneosly called 'rice paper,' is in reality made from the inner bark of three fibrous plants: kozo or paper mulberry (Broussonetia kajinoki), gampi (Diplomorpha sikokiana), and mitsumata (Edgeworthia papyrifera)."

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful book on bookbinding. Great instruction.

[Misbah Zahid · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

Interesting and instructive.

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

First book I have ever read on bookbinding, a hobby that I'm trying *slowly* to get into, and I think Kojiro Ikegami gives thorough information about Japanese bookbinding. My only dislike: hard for the beginner to start from because of the amount of information. I wish it was simpler, giving lots of alternatives to the traditional materials supposed to be used. It will be a great reference, though.

[Gerard Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Somethings are easier to learn from books than others - I found this a little hard to follow, but it gave me some ideas for bindings and for solutions to ones I already know. I think when I am not so busy and more able to sit down and focus on the instructions, it might be more helpful. I would be first in line for an edition of videos that demonstrate the techniques in this book...

[Karin Bartimole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book for learning traditional Japanese bookbinding techniques. Clear instructions with step by step photograph and illustrations to guide. I think it's the best for learning this ancient art.

[Joan]

Excellent manual for learning Japanese bookbinding techniques. The descriptions are clear, as are the diagrams and photographs. Included are a bibliography, a list of suppliers (though this is somewhat outdated) and a glossary. Highly recommended.

[Rick Jackofsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very nice book with a bit of history, as well as detailed instructions for making several types of Chinese and Japanese books; including flutter books, accordion books, and a few stab binding designs. Different types of paper, glue, and modern as well as traditional tools are also discussed.

[Mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I will buy this....one day ;)

[Moens Bib · Rating 4 out of 5]

- mooie foto's
- zeer praktische tekeningen
- inspirerend boek

[Sergejs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Execptional samples, good reviews for different types of binding. A bit more schematic illustrations would help unexperienced binder.

[Derek]

I presume the binding on this will be incredible.