Product Description

The kimono, one of the most emblematic symbols of Japan, it is more than a garment - governed by a wealth of codes and traditions, it is the essence of Japanese culture itself. "Kimonos" beautifully illustrates the various facets of the garment, historically and in modern times, evoking the grace of Japanese graphics with its elegant layout and original photographs and drawings. Wearing a kimono and knotting an obi (the wide belt that secures the garment) according to traditional rule is extremely difficult. Lively colours are for unmarried girls only and long sleeved kimonos are not to be worn by married women.Once passed down from mother to daughter, today there are specialised schools that certify students in proper kimono etiquette. Codified in the seventeenth century, the principles of the manufacture and wearing of kimonos haven't changed since, although the kimono exists today in endless varieties, thanks to the diversity of fabric, weaving techniques and printing patterns. The simple T-shape of the kimono can have thousands of different appearances, depending on the style of folds and tucks of fabric.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #280075 in Books
• Published on: 2007-10-01
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 256 pages

About the Author
French artist Sophie Milenovich uses couture construction and techniques in her installation works and she has had several exhibitions of her work in the United States.

Customer Reviews

Really good
This is a v.v.brill book. Amazing pictures and tastfully done.Howver,the book still has relevent and interesting infomation. A great sorce book for anyome studying textiles!

Style over content
I had imagined this to be a much more scholarly book than it is. It's a brief and subjective overview of the subject by an outsider and is very much more produced for it's look than it's presentation of information. The text is generally brief and as it's printed on a variety of coloured papers frequently very difficult to read. Black ink on dark grey, green, blue or red paper sometimes neccesitates tipping the page till light reflects off the shine of the ink. This pretentiousness of "design" does not add to the content or appearance and one wonders if this format is the fault of the author or publisher. A pleasant, lightweight book but if you are seriously interested in the subject look elsewhere.