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If you're looking for a comic book that falls outside of the usual superhero fare, Y: The Last Man is one of the top choices around. A creation of Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerrera, it's a post-apocalyptic story in which a mysterious virus has wiped out every male on Earth, except a young man named Yorick and his monkey, Ampersand. In the eighth trade paperback, Kimono Dragons (issues 43-46), Yorick, Agent 355, Allison, and Rose are in Japan on the trail of the abducted Ampersand. Yorick and 355 find themselves mixed up with the Japanese mafia led by a former Canadian pop star named Epiphany, while Allison and Rose hope to find some answers in Allison's mother's lab. The remaining two issues (47-48) are standalone stories, "The Tin Man" and "Gehenna" (Goran Sudzuka takes over the pencils from Guerrera, with Jose Marzan Jr. still doing the inking), which explore the histories of Allison and Israeli solder Alter. Y: The Last Man is part of DC's Vertigo line and has some mature content, including nudity and graphic violence. --David Horiuchi
Book Description
If you're looking for a comic book that falls outside of the usual superhero fare, Y: The Last Man is one of the top choices around.A creation of Brian K. Vaughan and Pia Guerrera, it's a post-apocalyptic story in which a mysterious virus has wiped out every male on Earth, except a young man named Yorick and his monkey, Ampersand.In the eighth trade paperback, Kimono Dragons (issues 43-46), Yorick, Agent 355, Allison, and Rose are in Japan on the trail of the abducted Ampersand.Yorick and 355 find themselves mixed up with the Japanese mafia led by a former Canadian pop star named Epiphany, while Allison and Rose hope to find some answers in Allison's mother's lab.The remaining two issues (47-48) are standalone stories, "The Tin Man" and "Gehenna" (Goran Sudzuka takes over the pencils from Guerrera, with Jose Marzan Jr. still doing the inking), which explore the histories of Allison and Israeli solder Alter.Y: The Last Man is part of DC's Vertigo line and has some mature content, including nudity and graphic violence.--David Horiuchi
Customer Reviews:
Graphic SF Reader.......2007-09-03
Yorick and his crew have finally arrived in Japan, and have tracked down the ill doctor's mother.
Elsewhere, the woman Yorick impregnated has given birth, and has taken the baby to the established hot zone to be safe. Not for long though, as the Israeli military show up, and they are not going to want to leave empty handed.
Brian Vaughan takes on the world of Trevor Brown........2007-05-12
Brian K. Vaughan, Y: The Last Man: Kimono Dragons (Vertigo, 2006)
(Note: the following review contains spoilers for previous books in the series.)
Yorick and friends have made it to Japan and are on the trail of Ampersand. The news of Yorick's existence is out, though there's no telling how many people believe it, since the story showed up in the Last Man world's version of the Weekly World News. That's on the background, though; this installment in Vaughan's excellent series is all about finding the monkey. Of course, to do that, they have to get through all the wonderful weirdness that is Japanese culture; no one said Japan was going to sober up once all the men were gone...
If you're already involved in the series, you already know what's in store for you. If not, you shouldn't be reading this, 'cause I've just revealed some big plot points, but I'm still going to tell you to get your [...] out there and start picking up Y: The Last Man. This is good, good stuff. ****
BKV at his best.......2007-02-22
Great work of Brian, it's a pity that Y is coming closer to its end. It will be surely missed.
Another excellent volume in the saga of the last man on Earth.......2007-01-12
Brian K. Vaughan's submersive and addictive Y: The Last Man never ceases to amaze, and this eighth collected volume is no exception. Kimono Dragons finds Yorick, Agent 355, Dr. Mann, and Mann's lover Rose in Japan in search of Yorick's kidnapped monkey Ampersand, who may very well be the key to the fate of mankind. However, also on the trail of Ampersand is the skilled ninja Toyota, who drops her own bombshell as a missing link to what caused the plague is revealed, all while Yorick and 355 deal with a schizo pop-star who has her own plans for the poor monkey as well. As the volume comes to a close, we get a glimpse of Dr. Mann's past, including her tumultuous relationship with her parents, as well as a look at the past of Israeli soldier Alter, and a shattering conclusion that will leave you salivating to see what happens next. Vaughan's storytelling is still excellent, and he manages to reveal just a little bit at a time without going overboard with the suspense. Pia Guerra's artwork does the job as well, which is what veteran readers would come to expect. All in all, Y: The Last Man still manages to be the most addictive Vertigo series since Preacher, and you'll be left begging to see how it all ends.
Everything Starts Coming Together.......2006-11-26
Brian K. Vaughan never fails to amaze. Whether it be with his political superhero book Ex Machina, his subversive teen book Runaways, his original graphic novel Pride of Baghdad, or his original hit, Y: The Last Man, he sure knows how to tell a great story. Though the previous arc, Paper Dolls, wasn't as strong as some of the other Y stories, it still had its good points, and as we learn in Kimono Dragons, Yorick's decision at the end is having some repurcussions. This story, as well as the two stand-alone backstory issues that accompany it, are amazing, and may be the best Y since the Safeword arc. That isn't to say that the stuff in between wasn't good, it was, but Kimono Dragons and Safeword are just that good.
Yorick Brown, the last man on Earth, Agent 355, his bodyguard, Dr. Allison Mann, a geneticist, and her lover, Rose Copen, have finally arrived in Japan. They have been journeying here ever since Yorick's pet monkey Ampersand was stolen by a ninja named Toyota. This was mere moments after learning that Ampersand was the key to returning men to the planet after the plague. Upon their arrival, Yorick and 355 go to search for Ampersand while Dr. Mann and Rose track down Mann's mother. Allison believes that it is no coincidence that the port city that Ampersand was delivered to was the same city that she grew up in with her parents.
Yorick and 355 have to deal with some Yakuza members on their way to getting Ampersand back, with some pretty humorous results (let's just say that the new leader of the Yakuza is a pretty funny look at a certain aspect of pop culture). We also see Yorick and 355 begin to show feelings for each other, which could complicate things between Yorick and Beth, his girlfriend/fiancee who is waiting for him in Paris.
Speaking of people named Beth, Hero, Yorick's sister, has successfully brought Beth II and Beth, Jr. (Beth II had a one-night stand with Yorick about a year prior to the events of Kimono Dragons) back to the "Hot Suite" where the first male born after the plague is being held until he can become innoculated against the plague. Their victory is short-lived due to the arrival of a character who has caused numerous problems for our heroes in the past. Elsewhere, the encounter between Allison, her mother, and Rose leads to some interesting revelations about Allison and the plague itself.
Following Kimono Dragons are two one-shot issues that show some of the history of Allison and Alter Tse'elon, an Israeli militarist who believes that it is her duty to bring Yorick back to Israel so that the Jews may be repopulated while the Muslims die out. The two stories are very interesting and show us some of the characters' motivations for doing what they have done throughout the course of the series.
As I said, Vaughan never fails to impress, and knowing that the wait for the next trade will be about six months is excrutiating. There were some good cliffhangers in these stories, and from what has been said about the following arc, not only is it very good, but we are finally treated to some revelations that have been nearly 5 years in the making.
Book Description
This practical and attractive book makes available for the first time the basic knowledge and vocabulary needed to select and put on a kimono and obi.
Whether for women or men, all kimono are cut and sewn essentially from a single pattern, but a number of variations must be considered, depending on the occasion. Guidelines are given to making these choices, and the way to dress in a kimono, from the preliminaries to tieing the bustle sash, is
described in detail and fully illustrated. For women, there are formal kimono, obi and accessories, and the lightweight summer yukata; for men, the yukata and the ceremonial ensemble of kimono, haori coat and hakama skirt. Children's kimono for festive events are also described.
Kimono fashions have evolved over the centuries in response to varied influences. Today modern innovations are making the wearing of kimono at home and elsewhere an attractive alternative to Western garments. These are included here, along with a discussion of aesthetics, the history of the kimono,
and the meaning that kimono culture can have for wearers and admirers throughout the world.
Customer Reviews:
Good background, but not an end-all resource.......2007-05-13
I'll try to stick with describing things that the other reviewers have not. From the start, let me say that I really like the book, despite some of the negative sounding things I am going to say. I just want people looking at the book to understand a little more of what is and what isn't in the book. For the most part, the instructions in the book are clear enough, though reading the instructions and actually following them is going to take some back and forth work and probably a great deal of practice until you really understand what the writer is talking about.
First off, this book has a little bit of everything in it in regards to kimono history and usage. It does not have how to make a kimono, though it does have the basic preparation steps, like how to put on the protective lining collar for the under robe. There is especially a great deal of vocabulary and explanation - what are the parts of the kimono called, images of and descriptions of different styles and pieces. In fact, this is the only book I have ever seen (in English) to properly show all of the little things used in tying an obi. It shows not only traditional means of dressing in the kimono, but also the more modern "cheater" or "training" wear that is easier to use but in many ways more confusing looking than the traditional forms.
Because of all that detailed information, there are several places that might be considered a little brief to a person trying to learn how to actually wear the kimono themselves. For instance, the book does show you how to tie an obi for men and women, and as a plus, how to properly tie hakama pants and the ties on the jackets. However, the book only shows you how to tie two female styles - a formal and a more informal one - when there are really several fairly common styles for women. On the upside, there is a third style added about how to make and wear a "cheater" obi (a real obi is anywhere from 10 to 14 feet long, the cheater obi has a pre-made bow that you hook in place). Since the book has a photo spread showing several different types of obi ties for women, it was somewhat disappointing for me to only find the two styles and the cheater obi. For someone who is looking to just start, this is a good reference, but don't expect to see instructions for the other obi styles.
This book does show how to do common (but really, difficult) activities properly in a kimono (bowing, opening doors, getting in a car), the differences in wearing a kimono for married and unmarried women, and how to care for and store kimono. It describes the cleaning process, but points out that it is very complex and the kimono material is easy to damage, so most people do spot cleaning and rely on specialized cleaners. This book shows pictures of hair pieces, but does not have any information on how to do the hair styles (which isn't the topic of the book, anyway, but someone asked me about it once when I mentioned this book).
All in all, this book will answer all of the basic, introductory, or background questions, but if you are really interested in figuring out the details, this book will still leave you with a few questions.
An Interesting History Of The Kimono.......2007-04-01
The Book of Kimono tells a detailed history, proper terms and instructions on how to wear Japan's most elegant and well-respected wardrobe. I did not realized that the kimono was originally made in China back in ancient times. This is a good book to read and a excellent resource for school and college.
Most informative.......2006-07-30
What is a geisha without her kimono?
For those interested in the history of Kimono or thinking of wearing them, this book is a must have. A good bit of history as well as a guide on the wearing of the Kimono.
Well written and very well illustrated.
Not good for kimono color photo orgy.......2006-07-25
I agree that this book is good for DETAILED info on kimono wearing, etc. But I also agree with the review that it lacks the wealth of flat-out photos of beautiful kimono one might want if seeking photo memories of a trip to Japan. Consider John Gallagher's Geisha instead if you want more color photos of kimono.
Unimagined Intricacies.......2006-07-11
The DVD of Memoirs of a Geisha contains two fascinating chapters on the creation of kimono and Geisha Bootcamp, in which the actresses learned to wear kimono properly. But it left many unanswered questions: why do many geisha need the help of a professional dresser? Exactly how many layers does a geisha wear under her kimono? How many variations are there in how to finish tying an obi? This book answers all these questions and many more that, before reading it, I didn't know enough to ask. The author designed many helpful devices to allow a modern woman to don a kimono without assistance, including padding. He also wrote an entire chapter on the proper way to move, bow, open a door, sit on a western style chair and get into a car without wrinkling your kimono. The color photographs are splendid and the drawings as detailed as I could wish for. Having read this book in conjunction with Liz Dalby's Geisha, I found that the last chapter of her book about wearing kimono illuminated his.
Book Description
Graphic-sha's Costume Encyclopedia series is designed to help manga artists accurately portray their characters in costumes by providing over 4,000 reference illustrations, with manga characters appearing as models in various poses and angles. Includes special sections dedicated to explaining folds, basic fashion knowledge and silhouette lines.
Customer Reviews:
A kimono and evening gown guide worth owning.......2007-05-30
As you all may know, this book is pretty much like the other three how to draw manga costume encyclopedia books, but each of them have their own theme of course. Inside this volume they give you some examples of how to correctly draw kimono's and evening wear. This book is comprised of two chapters, but I would have to say that they talk more on the kimono's than the gown section in this book. That can be a good thing, and it can also be a bad thing. I personally liked the kimono part in this book than the gown part. That is the whole reason I bought this book, because of the kimono part in here. The gown part in the second chapter is good too, but it seems to show a good bit of wedding shots than evening wear. They even give an example of two people dancing, which can be a plus if you need a ref shot for your manga. Basically this book is teaching you etiquette in both outfits, how to wear them, and how to correctly draw the outfits. The contents of this book includes:
Chapter one Kimono:
A day in a kimono: Female character
A day in a kimono: Male character
1. Kimono basics
Tomesode as the basic kimono form
Kimono for different occasions: Four designs
Learning the order of dressing
Slovenly kimono
2. Assorted actions while wearing a kimono
Everyday and semiformal kimono shown on figure performing common actions
Inside the house: Doing housework and relaxing
Kimono for stepping out
Kimono worn to festivals (Yukata)
Relaxing in a Yukata
New year's day and the first shrine visit of the year
Kimono for hinamatsuri and shichigosan
Kimono worn to coming-of-age and graduation ceremonies
Wedding kimono
Mourning kimono
Action scenes:
Scenes with exposed flesh/ brandishing a sword/ barehanded combat scenes
3. Kimono accessories
Wide and narrow obi
Dressing up the obi
Handbags and totes
Footwear
Hairstyles suited to kimono
4. Assorted traditional Japanese dress
5. Period kimono
Chapter 2 Gowns
A day in a gown
1. Gown basics
Three main silhouettes
Gowns for formal affairs and bridal gowns
Assorted actions while wearing a gown
2. Bridal gowns
Scenes from weddings
Designing a bridal gown
Indispensable bridal gown accessories
Grooms dress
3. Evening gowns
Three common silhouettes
Elegant outerwear
Assorted evening gown designs
Glamorous hairstyles
Glamorous accessories
Men's formal wear
4. Action scenes
All in all this book is the perfect kimono/ gown guide. I really enjoy this book, and it is very helpful when it comes down to the kimono sections. If you are having some trouble with kimono designs/ drawing the kimono and principles, then this book is so for you!! If you also need some help toward evening wear, then this book benefits as the double package!!! This book is also kid friendly due to this book having nude free scenes in it, but, I don't recommend this book for kids or anyone who is a beginner. Since this book really doesn't give you step-by-step guides on actually drawing the kimono's or evening wear. I do recommend this book for those who are intermediate to advance. Anyway, buy this book, it worth your time and money. Add it to your HTDM arsenal today!!
Average customer rating:
- Wanting more
- Kimono
- A VIRTUAL PANOPLY OF COLOR, ART, AND HISTORY
- flowering of the Japanese kimono in its last years
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Fashioning Kimono
Reiko Mochinaga Brandon ,
Akiko Fukai ,
Anna Jackson , and
Elise Kurashige Tipton
Manufacturer: 5 Continents Editions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Textile & Costume
| Design & Decorative Arts
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
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General
| Fashion
| Arts & Photography
| Subjects
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General
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Japanese Kimono Designs (Dover Pictorial Archive)
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The Kimono of the Geisha-Diva Ichimaru
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Kimono: Fashioning Culture
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Silken Threads: A History of Embroidery in China, Korea, Japan, and Vietnam
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Snow, Wave, Pine: Traditional Patterns in Japanese Design
ASIN: 8874392710 |
Book Description
Fashioning Kimono focuses on 150 Japanese garments dating from the late 19th to the early 20th centuries, taken from the renowned Montgomery Collection, which includes informal kimonos for both women and men, haori jackets, under-garments, ceremonial and formal clothes, and children's robes. Some of the designs reflect historical continuity, but many others demonstrate a radical break from the traditional. Themes and designs from Western art predominate over historical Japanese references, illustrating the modernization and Westernization of Japan at this time.
The range of the collection represents one of the most dynamic periods in Japan's national costume. It encompasses the final phase of the "living" kimono, when the kimono was still the daily wear of most Japanese people. After Japan's defeat in the Pacific War and the destruction of virtually all its major urban centres, Western clothes quickly came to replace the kimono, being considered more affordable and conducive to the new post-war lifestyle. It eventually took on a purely ceremonial or formal role, and today, except for the few fashionably daring, the kimono is worn mainly for the tea ceremony, funerals, and weddings.
Customer Reviews:
Wanting more.......2007-04-11
The first fourth of the book contains a lot of valuable information about styles and techniques, then the rest is page after page of photos. Beautiful photos, but I wish there was more discussion about cultural significance of the designs depicted.
Kimono.......2006-11-10
This is a beautiful book. As a maker of Kimono, I am always searching for reference books and this is one of the best.
A VIRTUAL PANOPLY OF COLOR, ART, AND HISTORY.......2005-11-16
"Fashioning Kimono" is a virtual panoply of color, art, and history focusing on kimono from the vast collection of Jeffrey Montgomery. Among the 1200 rare objects in Montgomery's enviable collection are these 150 kimono dating from the late nineteenth to the mid twentieth centuries. It is an array comprehensive in scope with kimono and haori jackets worn by men, women and children.
The almost 200 photographs of the textiles by Stefano Ember are stunning - bold, aresting in hue, delicate as a butterfly's wing in design. Publication of this volume accompanies an exhibition of the same name at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, which runs from mid October of this year through May 1, 2006.
Annie Van Assche, the editor and primary author, presents a history of the kimono, while additional essays include such topics as new styles based on Art Nouveau and Art Deco designs, the kimono's influence on Parisian fashion, and the fascinating memoir of a Japanese girl growing up in the 1930s and 1940s.
As Van Assche notes silk is at the very heart of the Japanese kimono culture. It's strength, sheen and adaptability to dyes make it the ideal material. The inspired use of color, we learn, may be due in part to the fact that in ancient times the Japanese believed "color imbued a garment with special powers."
All with an interest in fashion, design and the Japanese culture will find "Fashioning Kimono" an indispensable addition to a personal library.
- Gail Cooke
flowering of the Japanese kimono in its last years.......2005-11-14
The early decades of the 1900s were the final flowering for the Japanese kimono, the standard clothing for men and women going back for centuries. This was literally so for many kimonos; for they have bright, sometimes lavish, flower patterns and images from the influences of the Western art styles of art nouveau and even art deco. The growing modernization and Westernization of Japan at this time was seen in the changing patterns in the kimono. The stylistic innovations came to an end with the turn to Western clothing after Japan's defeat in WWII and the destruction of the country's industry. One hundred and fifty modern kimono from about the 1890s to the 1930s from the collection of Jeffrey Montgomery are shown in color photographs with close-ups of the details of a few. The photos are full-page on the right with notes on the facing page. The book is done in conjunction with an exhibition of the collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum through May 2006. The beginning essay by editor and contributor Annie Van Assche--textile artisan, Japanese art historian, and one-time curator of education for the Japan Society Gallery in New York--is an outstanding brief course on the artistic aspects, manufacture, and types and eras of kimono while serving as a lead-in to the following four essays taking up different topics regarding its final, modern, period.
Book Description
The Fine Art of Kimono Embroidery showcases the art of the talented embroidery artist Shizuka Kusano.
Shizuka Kusano's canvases are kimono, obi (the kimono sash), and tapestries, on which she creates extraordinary compositions in brilliant color and subtle tones, with a rich contrast in textures. Her themes are drawn from Japanese poetry, literature, and art, as well as traditional seasonally-oriented motifs such as trees, flowers, birds, and streams. Working exclusively with silk threads and fabric, and delicately balancing the use of space in her composition, Kusano's designs achieve the sophistication for which the best Japanese art is known.
Selected works are shown here in full color with explanatory captions, while a separate section covers the primary techniques used to create each piece. In addition, Kusano writes about how she came to be interested in embroidery and how she developed her art, and provides commentary on her themes and inspirations. She also includes an essay on the history of embroidery in Japan from the time it was introduced into the country from China in the sixth century up until the present.
Kusano's insight and fresh perspective on this unique art will inspire embroidery enthusiasts, textile collectors, and art lovers worldwide.
Customer Reviews:
A recommendation for not only art and needlework libraries, but for general-interest collections as well........2007-03-07
Any with more than a light interest in Japanese embroidery will readily recognize the author's name, for Shizuka Kusano is one of Japan's premiere textile artists, and her 'canvases' are the kimono, obi, and tapestries. Dozens of her works are featured in a color guide that also covers the techniques used on each of her pieces. Kusano's essay on how she began in and developed her talents includes a history of embroidery in Japan. The pairing of history, art, and how-to will make FINE ART OF KIMONO EMBROIDERY a recommendation for not only art and needlework libraries, but for general-interest collections as well.
Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch
Average customer rating:
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Opulence: The Kimonos and Robes of Itchiku Kubota
Itchiku Kubota
Manufacturer: Kodansha America
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Textile & Costume
| Design & Decorative Arts
| Arts & Photography
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General
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General
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ASIN: 0870116363 |
Book Description
This unique design treasury, consisting of lavish full-color pictures of a vibrant array of kimonos, is reproduced directly from two rare and costly original portfolios. Devotees of fashion, art, and Asian culture will appreciate this beautiful book and its tribute to the elegance and refinement of Japanese art.
Customer Reviews:
Another great pick...........2007-08-26
I looked at many other books on Kimono, some very expensive,beautiful hardcover volumes in fact...(I confess, if I see a book I like in a bookstore, I go directly to Amazon, the prices are so much better...)
I was satisfied with this book, it had enough imagery and variety in it for me,should I wish to design my own Kimono.Its great as an artist's reference book, the price is good too. If you want a book with more historical facts, with meanings of colors and symbols, seasonal kimono styles,etc,there are books out there that are really loaded with all kinds of fascinating info. I wish I could afford one of those, but this one does the job for my purposes.
Book Description
Any dressmaker, quilter, or embroiderer who has ever felt inspired by the elegant design of Japanese clothes will find everything needed to start stitching in this comprehensive and luxurious sourcebook. In addition to colorful photos and illustrations that provide a history of the kimono and other Japanese garments, there are patterns, practical diagrams, and instructions for assembly. Each style receives loving attention, with something for everyone: kimonos for men, women, and children; mompe, the traditional trousers worn by both sexes; the short versions of kimono known as hippari and jimbei; and waistcoats, including a child's chan-chanko. The information on decorative stitching, adding motifs, dying the fabric, silk painting, and the Japanese sense of aesthetics provide invaluable guidance in constructing the final piece.
Customer Reviews:
Kimono.......2007-08-02
I always sew lots and I got this book to help me understand kimono more. It helps me much and I am using it lots.
Rather Dissapointing.......2007-07-27
I currently use this book as a way to keep kittens from digging through things. The cover is gorgeous and has several nice images of traditional kimono. It is also useful for a basic jist of patterns. What this book is most useful for is making American Kimona or kimono inspired wear. It does not offer much in the way of history or in the making of traditional formal wear. I would recommend making yukata from this book, but I could not recommend using this book, especially not exclusively to make traditional kosode or furisode. A very useful book for Japanese inspired clothing. I think this book would have been much better billed for what it is and what it is good at, rather than displaying a cover and title giving the impression that it will help you make something that beautiful rather than something earthy and crafty.
Offers little guidance on "Japanese-y" clothing.......2006-12-23
It was too brief, too cursory, with just an overview of colors, motifs, design strategies. It was a helpful how-to for sashiko embroidery decorations, hanten and hippari (the more "folksy" traditional garments in Japan), but not helpful for instructions on how to re-line my haori. The author barely mentions adding a lining in passing, without really going into depth on how to do it, not even a "repeat steps 3-6 with lining fabric and sew on the reverse". And her section on making an "obi" was pathetic (and that's being kind) for something that resembles a heavyweight wrestler's championship belt. It's good for the beginner who is completely unfamiliar with Japanese garments, but you will soon crave more depth after reading it.
Book Description
Ichimaru (1906-1997) combined her experience as a geisha with an extraordinary talent as a vocalist and musician to become a unique figure in the social history of twentieth-century Japan. Determined to distinguish herself, she studied music with the best teachers to be found in Tokyo's "floating world," or pleasure district. Ichimaru secured a recording contract in 1931 and never looked back as she won international renown.
In keeping with the geisha tradition of elegant dress, Ichimaru accumulated a striking collection of kimono over the course of her long career. After her death, the collection was given to the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. In this colorful, well-informed, and satisfying little book, three members of the gallery's curatorial staff tell lchimaru's life story and place it in the context of the floating world and the larger world of Japanese culture. They also provide detailed information on kimono construction, materials, dyeing and stitching techniques, styles and the cultural connotations evoked by those styles, and the secret language of kimono imagery. Color photographs accompany their descriptions, and Ichimaru's life is illustrated with color and black-and-white images.
Customer Reviews:
Lovely book.......2006-11-06
But there could be more pictures, more detail. The art of Kimono is divine and it is an interesting book. Worth having if you are interested in Geisha and Kimono.
Highly recommended to students of Japanese culture.......2006-05-02
Collaboratively researched and co-authored the team of by Barry Till, Michiko Warkentyne, and Judith Patt (all of whom are from the curatorial department at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria), The Kimono Of The Geisha-Diva Ichimaru is a visually impressive photographic and informative biographical compendium of the life and success of the world renowned Japanese artist Ichimaru (1906-1997), and her collection of kimonos now owned by the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria. The Kimono Of The Geisha-Diva Ichimaru presents story of her childhood which found her born into poverty, sold to a geisha house as a young teenager, and of her achieving fame as a singer and musician. Beautifully illustrated throughout, The Kimono Of The Geisha-Diva Ichimaru is very highly recommended to students of Japanese culture.
Book Description
The colorful and stylized kimono--the national garment of Japan--expresses not only Japanese aesthetic sensibilities but the soul of Japan as well. In this beautifully written and lavishly illustrated book, Liza Dalby, author of the highly acclaimed Geisha and Tale of Murasaki, traces the history of kimono--its uses, aesthetics, and social meanings--to explore Japanese culture. Drawing on a variety of period texts including 17thcentury kimono pattern books, Dalby vividly recreates kimono and those who wore them through the centuries. She discusses the development of the kimono robe from its Chinese origins two thousand years ago to its assimilation as the national dress of Japan. An engaging mix of fashion history and social anthropology, this lively and scholarly book demonstrates in a new way how clothing can illuminate our understanding of culture.
Customer Reviews:
A really worthwhile book on kimono.......2007-02-24
This book is a classic. It doesn't have many color pictures, but that doesn't seem to matter. The author discusses kimono in terms of how kimono are worn and what tiny differences in the details of wearing mean in social context. That's what I find fascinating. Of course she also covers the history of kimono. She includes many small black-and-white line illustrations that demonstrate her points very well.
A Good Book on the History of Kimono.......2006-03-21
This is a very good guide to the history of the kimono and its importance in Japanese society. Perhaps its only fault is that it doesn't have a huge amount of pictures and those pictures that it does have are largely in black and white.
Kimono seen from the eyes of a non Japanese.......2005-10-27
An outstanding book,excellent for reference and research.A very well detailed research on colors and seasons in the Heian Period,
Designs, colors and symbols all had a particular reason for being used.You just did not use any color for any day of the year.Ms.Dalby did an exquisite job.
More to the Kimono than meets the eye.......2004-06-29
The kimono is the national dress of Japan and is instantly recognisable as Japanese wherever you see it. However, the kimono that we see today is essentially the end of a long evolution of dress over a thousand years and what is worn now is essentially a fossilised costume.
This book gives you an illuminating look at the history of the kimono in Japan - how even the word "kimono" didn't exist before last century, when the Japanese became aware that there were "other" forms of dress. We are also given insights into the dress of the lower class and rural people of Japan. They are often forgotten in kimono discussion, yet they developed a dress style that was both practical and indigenous, though it is dying in the modern age. There is even an extensive section devoted to the aristocratic 10th century kimono styles and colour combinations.
Lastly this book gives you insight into how the modern kimono is worn. There is a wealth of meaning in dress design and how it is worn that mostly passes non-Japanese by and for a kimono to be worn with style requires a lot of social knowledge that not many other books will spell out for you like this.
This book is highly recommended if you have an interest in Japanese costume, history or fabrics. It gives a fascinating account of how dress mirrors history and social changes. However, if you are looking for lots of colour photos of kimono and their designs this book will probably disappoint you as all the illustrations are in black and white.
Excellent resource.......2003-05-02
A comprehensive history of kimono past and present, this book is so full of information that it's hard to summarize. The author covers not only "familiar" - i.e., formal - kimono, but also work clothes, folk clothing, and the modest beauty of stripes and ikat. Illustrations throughout the book are well annotated and informative.
My two favorite chapters are those on kimono in the Heian (9th-11th centuries) and Genroku (1688-1704) periods, with their wealth of history and beauty. The chapter on the Heian era covers, among other things, seasonal color combinations, with color depictions of how the layers would look. The Genroku chapter covers kosode, with commented (black and white) illustrations from pattern books of the time.
For those interested in wearing modern kimono, the chapter "The Structure of Kimono" includes information on several different aspects of what a kimono, obi and their accessories can mean according to how they're worn. For instance, how the V-shape formed by the collar differs according to age, or what an obijime placed slightly lower than usual can signify. It also includes charts on kimono formality (a wonderful resource) and descriptions - as always, accompanied by illustrations - of the different kimono and obi types.
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