TAISHO KIMONO

In the early twentieth century, from the Taisho era to the early Showa era in Japan, Japanese culture was very much influenced by Western art and design movement. Consequently, large numbers of kimono were produced in loud colors and patterns, aimed at the fashionable 'modern girl' consumer. Changes in silk production at this time created a plethora of a new silk called Meisen, a reeled silk made from damaged cocoons. Meisen kimonos were relatively cheap, tough and attractive millions of them were produced in the Taisho and Showa eras. (mostly Japanese text, some English as supplementary) This book introduces colorful and dynamic patterns of Meisen kimonos categorized in patterns and motifs that are very different from the authentic kimono patterns produced in former periods. Some paintings or illustrations depicting beautiful kimono girls are also shown in this book. Taisho Kimono is an excellent book for kimono lovers and a great resource for fashion and graphic designers.