Kimono

This illustrated volume presents more than 200 kimono drawn from the Khalili Collection, tracing roughly three centuries of Japanese textile craft. Written by a team of international specialists, it moves through the garments worn at the imperial court, by samurai families and by wealthy townspeople during the Edo period (1603-1868).

The book then turns to Meiji period dress (1868-1912), when silhouettes and colour choices changed considerably. It closes with the kimono of the Taisho (1912-26) and early Showa (1926-89) eras, when makers adopted new techniques and blended traditional forms with the modernist style spreading across the world.

The volume suits readers interested in fashion, textiles and decorative arts as well as those curious about how Japanese dress reflected social rank and changing tastes.