Taisho Kimono. Speaking of Past and Present

A unique collection of 130 kimono for women, men and children from the Taisho¯ era.
The Taisho¯ period (1912-1926) saw the birth of a remarkable liberal and modernistic cultural movement, which lasted until the outbreak of World War II.
However, at the same time, traditional arts and crafts remained deeply rooted in Japanese society. Modernity and tradition are the two faces of the Taisho¯ culture, and both are reflected in Japanese traditional dress.
Key Sales Information - A general introduction explains the place of the kimono in Japanese society of the early 20th century, including the essential cultural and historical background.
- The hearth of the book is formed by the photographs of the individual textiles, including numerous details. In most cases the brief technical descriptions are followed by a more lengthy explanation of the design, the decoration technique, etc.
- Generously illustrated in 300 full-color photograhs taken especially for this book, all the kimono presented here have never before been published.
Author Jan Dees, gastroenterologist and art researcher, is a prolific writer of articles and books on Japanese lacquer.
Michiel Elsevier Stokmans is a well-known Holland-based art photographer. As head of the photography department of Christie's Amsterdam he has been responsible for the production of more than 1000 auction catalogues over the past 23 years.