When Art Became Fashion: Kosode in Edo-Period Japan [Hardcover]

Dale Carolyn Gluckman (Author), Sharon Sadako Takeda (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

In another fine example of arts publishing from Weatherhill, six scholarly essays are interposed with illustrations of items found in the upcoming exhibit of Kosode (narrow-sleeved robes) at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Here, Japanese textiles are shown to be much more than kimonos and samurai armor. To borrow an idea from Robert T. Singer's essay, one could say that craft ( kogei ) and art ( bijutsu ) were not separate in Japanese culture but were seen as one on a higher artistic plane ( geijutsu ). The work as a whole demonstrates the interplay among dyer, artist, craftsperson, and so forth, with Monica Bethe's strong essay explaining the special meaning of various colors in Japanese costume and how they were (and are) culturally linked. Though the bibliography was not complete at the time of review, it should be very useful. Highly recommended for all textile and design collections and for those focusing on Japan. (Illustrations not seen.)-- Mike Heines, USAF Rome Laboratory Technical Lib., N.Y.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 352 pages
• Publisher: Weatherhill; First Edition edition (September 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 083480266X
• ISBN-13: 978-0834802667
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 9.5 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,733,438 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Valuable resource for kimono research, May 12, 2008

By 

KimonoMomo (San Francisco, California, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: When Art Became Fashion: Kosode in Edo-Period Japan (Paperback)

I checked this out from the library and after I'd read two pages I knew I needed a copy for myself. I am very pleased to add this book to my own personal library, as it is full of well-researched information about kimono and the evolution of kimono fashion in Japanese history.

A multitude of full color plates, pages of useful footnotes and references and even sturdy paper (in both paperback and hardback editions) make this a worthy coffee table book as much as a useful resource that I will read again and again.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must have for kimono addicts!, March 1, 2011

By 

K. Porter "Never take life too seriously, you... (Ohio United States) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: When Art Became Fashion: Kosode in Edo-Period Japan (Paperback)

If you are interested in kimono: art, culture, and history ...THIS IS THE BOOK FOR YOU! This book is a gem of a resource for beginner and advanced readers alike. The book has many colorful historical kimono documented in photos, an outstanding and detailed glossary of terms, ample history, ample art, and more! I wish I had this book sooner as it is now the single most important book in my collection!