Blue and White Japan [Paperback]

Amy Sylvester Katoh (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 2002

From Finland to Guatemala blue and white is a classic color combination. But nowhere is this design element more a part of the interior landscape and culture than in Japan, where blue and white appear together in fine porcelains and on tiles, in textiles, kitchenware, futon coverings and kimonos. In this delightful, popular book, available in hardcover since 1996, Amy Sylvester Katoh and photographer Yutaka Satoh blend photograph and essay to explore the mix of functionality and beauty that is at the heart of Japanese style. They offer a rich array of great design ideas-from soba cups to sinks-in blue and white. Along the way, you'll meet Japanese indigo textile craftsmen and learn about such indigo techniques as katzome, stencil dyeing, and shibori, a delicate, sophisticated form of tie-dyeing in indigo. From hats to vases, floor cushions to tea settings, Blue and White Japan is a fascinating, inspiring look at this classic design.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Indigo and white. What could be more harmonious in your home? The photos in this book prove it. This is an excellent indigo primer that shows examples of dyed textiles such as tsutsugaki, shibori, sashiko and katazome as well as kasuri weaving and sakiori, a way of recycling old textiles by tearing them in strips and weaving them into floor coverings and quilts. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Elements of long-revered tradition and superb artistry naturally merge in both the textile art and the ceramics of Japan. Katoh's attractive sourcebook presents material for individuals interested in forming a collection as well as for those who appreciate the refined aesthetic of Japanese style and design. Katoh features simple tenugui (hand towels) and sublime Imari (porcelain ware) as two examples of Japanese collectibles traditionally decorated in blue and white. She also highlights individual artists. A detailed source list offers flea market schedules and locations of antique shops, galleries, museums, and artisans. Alice Joyce --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Tuttle Publishing (April 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0804833052
• ISBN-13: 978-0804833059
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,693,532 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pottery as well as textiles -- beautiful and harmonious, February 7, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Blue and White Japan (Hardcover)

This book is wonderfully photographed and written, focusing on the history of blue-and-white textiles and pottery of Japan. Just turning the pages gives a Zenlike feeling of rightness. Table settings, linens and furnishings don't have to match to give you a feeling of eating and living in calm and harmony

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Book to own, March 25, 2007

By 

Cal in Japan (Yokosuka, Japan) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Blue and White Japan (Paperback)

I live in Japan and purchased this book to see how people inter mix all the different blue and white dishes, materials and clothing. Great book to have for decorating your home. Can not wait to get to a few more Shrine Sales to pick up some more Blue and Whites.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Blue And White Japan, July 10, 2008

By 

Blue Rabbit (Australia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Blue and White Japan (Paperback)

I really loved this book. It has wonderful photography and is an interesting read. I particularly like the fact that the author grew up in a western country, and now lives in Japan, because she shares her outlook from a Western eye, which is helpful to a Western reader who loves antiques and collectables, along with blue and white. I love the way the photos blend the simplicity of Japanese style along with a little Western taste in collecting things. It has a nice balance of not over doing the display of cherished things, while still enjoying them in the home. To me it had a very "Zen" feel of harmony and beauty, and had a feeling of "coming home" to things I love when I looked at this book. I felt inspired to rearrange my collections and cut clutter while still displaying favourite items in a complimentary way.