This distinctive volume reveals a unique antique kimono collection through various delicate Japanese colors and their use in kimono. The Japanese sensibility is immediately apparent in the classification of the nine traditional color categories of red, green, pink, blue, brown, purple, yellow, black/white, and gold/silver. Each spread in Kimono and the Colors of Japan presents a single color showing a page-wide photo of a kimono accompanied by a description of the color and its meaning in the context of Japanese culture. The author explains, "We organized the kimono and obi (sash) according to what I like to call 'Japanese Kokoro no Iro', colors of the Japanese heart. Each category presents what individual colors express or signify. For example, we use white, black and gold as an expression of cheer. Red indicates the sun, blood, and fire. White, black, and silver express sadness." With the knowledge of both Western and traditional Japanese fashion cultures, Yumioka presents and describes his collection in an easily accessible style. "This book is a must-have for artists and lovers of wafuku. As I fall into both of those categories I can say that every page of this 230-page book was well-crafted to be both beautiful and informative." ― Sequential Tart "Certain to become a must-have reference for textile designers, tattoo artists, and anyone interested in learning more about this iconic Japanese garment." ― Fashion Maniac "I love how it delves deeper into the signs and symbols within the pages of colorful, intricate and beautiful Japanese history." ― ABookOf.Us "With the knowledge of both Western and traditional Japanese fashion cultures, Yumioka presents and describes his collection in an easily accessible style. " ― Travel by ENTREE "More than just a collection of antique kimonos, however, it covers Japanese style and color theory by taking each single kimono color and discussing its meaning in Japanese culture and the arts. " ― Donovan's Literary Service "This is by far a new favorite in my collection as a designer." ― Halfstack Magazine "explores the cultural and historical significance of the colors of kimonos and obis, or sashes, through the lens of a rare antique collection." ― Galerie Magazine "The book is an enjoyable read, not only for the gorgeous photographs but also for the lessons in historic events and the evolution of fabric arts. " ― All The Write Places "Not only was I pleasantly surprised by it, I’m happy to give it a permanent place in my library." ― Chopsticks NY PIE International is a publisher based in Tokyo that specializes in beautifully illustrated books on design, photography, and graphic art, as well as Japanese art books, and comic art books. Katsumi Yumioka started his career as a freelance hair and make-up artists. His work soon extended in to the world of magazine, CD cover jackets, TV Commercials and more. He also worked his way in to the world of Kimono styling, where he soon started collecting antique kimono. Eventually, Yumioka's collection developed into his kimono antique shop, Ichinokura. Active as an instigator of the Japanese antique Kimono movement, he has vigorously expanded his work, including exhibitions held at the Ginza Matsuya, Yokohama Sogo, and Umeda Hankyu department stores. He is also famous for his patchwork designs using old Japanese cloth. He has published many Kimono books in Japan.