Kimonos (365 Series) [Hardcover]

Sophie Milenovich (Author)

Book Description

Series: 365 Series | Publication Date: December 1, 2007

The kimono is one of the most emblematic symbols of Japan. It is rich in symbolism and social messages. It is not only a garment: It gathers a wealth of codes and traditions. It is the essence of Japanese culture itself.

The principles that rule its making were established in the 17th century and haven’t changed since. However, 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.

Wearing a kimono and knotting an obi—the wide belt that secures the garment—according to traditional rule is extremely difficult. This expertise was once transmitted from mother to daughter, but now there are specialized schools from which one can get a diploma on proper kimono etiquette. An expertise is necessary to avoid unacceptable mistakes: Lively colors are for unmarried girls only and long-sleeved kimonos are not to be worn by married women.

With original photographs and drawings, Kimonos beautifully illustrates the various facets of the garment, historically and in modern times. Its elegant layout evokes the grace of Japanese graphics.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Sophie Milenovich studied Textile Design at the Duperré Applied Arts School in Paris. She has worked as a designer for Mantero Silk manufacturers in Como, Italy, and for Renault. Between 2004 and 2006, Milenovich lived in Tokyo, Japan. There, her attraction to textiles led to a passion for the kimono.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Harry N. Abrams (December 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 081099450X
• ISBN-13: 978-0810994508
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 9.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.9 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,388,407 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good Book for a Beginner, May 7, 2008

By 

G. Smith (PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Kimonos (365 Series) (Hardcover)

I bought this book to learn the basics of the history of the kimono. I don't have much background in the subject, but I found this book to be very interesting although the text is minimal. The pictures are quite lovely, with a few being blurry. All around I think this a good book if you're interested in a basic book full of photos and some good commentary on the various kimonos worn in Japan.

4.0 out of 5 stars lots of pretty photos, July 7, 2009

By 

Gogce C. Kayihan "offgenemi" (Gainesville, FL USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kimonos (365 Series) (Hardcover)

I knew what I was getting when i purchased this book, it is a nice little book with lots of pretty photos of girls in kimonos. i got a really good deal for it on amazon :)

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Good Primer and conversation book, April 19, 2008

By 

PristineAngie_dot_com (NYC) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Kimonos (365 Series) (Hardcover)

This book is a nice primer for people who want to enter the world of the Japanese kimono, but have three jobs to pay for a revolving debt, kids to attend to, and a Family Guy rerun coming up.

The text is informative, but minimal, to the point of museum index cards beside artwork. It whets your appetite, but doesn't sate your hunger.

So if you want to have a bright cheery book sitting around, where people can sorta read it, while talking to you, or looking at the pictures, and realizing they have to get a prada knockoff at payless, while opening a bottle of wine, and surfing the television....then this book is the one.

There was a lot of public street photography that captured mostly the backs of contemporary Japanese women in transit. This was to highlight the Obi (sash to secure the kimono) on thir backs. On one hand, I think it's important to look at an artform in the environment it was meant for, incorporated into one's daily activities. On another, I felt the pictures may have been selected based on what the author thought was aesthetically pleasing, not on historical relevance. In other words, she could be selecting a photo of a kimono that's design is completely incongruous with Japanese tastes and the standards of kimono-making. She could have selected a picture of a person in public wearing a kimono that is frowned upon by the Japanese.

So that made the book seemed as if it was often "shot from the hip." Some beautiful historical pictures and a few by Japan's great Nobuyoshi Araki rounds up this affordable and sensible introductory treat to kimonos.