"Flowers" A Collection of Antique Prints in Europe, Kaigai Inc. Japan

Abr-bandi, the central asian name for the ikat technique, derives from the Persian word abr which means "cloud". The ikat style is not limited to Central Asia, but nowhere have the ikat designs known as abr, or the technique itself proved so enduring or so gloriously inventive as in the ancient centers of Uzbek and Tadjik handicrafts- Bukhara, Samrkand and the towns of the Ferghana Valley. The craftsmanship of the abr masters, the abr bandchi, was their patrimony; their secrets and their repertoire of designs were handed down through the generations. Yet this art form has always been responsive to change and receptive to new weaving methods created to simplify the process without sacrifice of artistry. In the nineteenth century abr designs were used to decorate fabrics made into winter and summer...

A very rare set of three folio size books on the textile collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum. The books are in linen with gilded letters in Japanese on the spine, each book in its original slip cover, all in very good condition. Some minor stains on one slip cover. The books are printed by Gakken, Tokyo 1980 in English and Japanese. A fabulous reference set for Textile Designers. Volume 1, Middle Ages to Rococo (1200 – 1750). Volume 2, Rococo to Victorian (1750 – 1850). Volume 3, Victorian to Modern (1850 – 1940). Each volume contains approx. 285pp and 250 color illustrations. These volumes are an invaluable record of over 700 masterworks of textile design, housed in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Volume I deals with the gold embroidery for which England was famous in the middle ages, and which is magnificently represented in the Museum. Some of the best examples were acquired in the early years at South Kensington, in the 1860's, but important aquisitions continued in the late 19th and early 20th century and several notable purchases have been made during the past 50 years. This section is followed by sections on embroidery from the 16th century to 1750. The second volume of the series will deal mainly with woven and printed textiles from the Rococo to the early Victorian period, 1750 to 1850. The most significant acquisitions from this period have been made in the last 25 years. It is only recently that is has become possible to make and adequate assessment of the development of British textiles...

Antique print titled 'Japan, Het vervoer van voorname Europeesche reizigers'. This print shows the transportation of European travellers in Japan. Originates from 'De Hollandsche Ill...

Antique print titled ‘Chief Temple Hakodadi‘. View of the chief temple in Hakodate, Japan. This print originates from 'Narrative of the expedition of an American squadron to the Chin...