With 190 photographs and illustrations, Kimonos reveals the intricacies of this classic Japanese clothing style from the 3rd century to the present.

Kimonos reveals the intricacies of Japanese dress from the 3rd century to the present. Including garments for women, men and children, the details have been selected both for their exquisite beauty and craftsmanship, and for how much they impart about the wearer’s identity, be it age, status or taste. A comprehensive introduction, illuminating the main periods and key themes of Japanese fashion history, is followed by thematic chapters that cover all eras of clothing. Each garment or illustration is accompanied by text exploring its structure and the fascinating range of decorative techniques employed, including embroidery, weaving, lacquering, stencilling, dyeing and digital technology. The kimono has a rich history spanning hundreds of years, and is still worn today as fashionable clothing in Japan.