Book Review: Japanese Design

Japanese Designs through textile patterns
By Frances Blakemore
ISBN 0-8348-0132-9
First Edition 1978 pp 272

I checked this book out from the seattle public library. It is a beautiful little book (hardback) with well over 200 black and white designs all with little commentary about the design. Most often the comments indicate for what occasion the design would be used or worn (kimono). The last section (seven) is dedicated to the Chrysanthemum Patterns. The Japanese Imperial Crest is a 16 pedal chrysanthemum that is said to have evolved from a sun emblem associated the sun goddess.

This book is an extremely outstanding reference book for those who are just becoming familiar with Japanese textile design. The contents of the book is broken down into categories:
1.Water-Related Patterns
2.Sky-Related Patterns
3.Abstract Patterns
4.Flower Patterns
5.Tree and Leaf Patterns
6.Garden-Related Patterns
7.Chrysanthemum Patterns

Amazon Link to book.

Highly Recommended

Hello!

I'm Thea. I have been a big fan of asian textiles my entire life. My dad was in the United States Navy and travelled over to Asia quite a bit when I was young and before I was born. He actually met my mother in the Philippines. She brought over many of her country's traditional fabrics & and sewing techniques. As far back as I can remember my family in the Philippines & Japan would sent beautiful fabrics to us. And also my mom "trained" my dad to keep his eyes peeled for good fabrics when he travelled abroad.

This blog is to share my admiration for traditional Japanese, Filipino, Korean, Chinese & other asian textile designs. Also I have read MANY books on the topic and I intend to share ISBN numbers and mini reviews on them to help you learn more about them too!

*^_^* Thea Starr