When Art Became Fashion: Kosode in Edo-Period Japan
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.--This text refers to theHardcoveredition.