[TAKAHASHI, JIJABURŌ]. 高橋治三郎.

京染の栞. [Kyōzome no shiori].<BR> [Information Booklet on Kyoto Dye].

京都. [Kyoto]. 株式会社松野商店. [KabushikiKaisha Matsuno Shōten]. Showa 4 [ 1929]. Stock ID #176247

Black and white photographic illustrations including three folding sheets at rear, 23pp, 18.2 x 12.3cm, original decorative stapled wrappers. Staples rusted but still holding, a very good copy.

This unusual and fascinating information booklet on Kyoto Dye samples was published by a Kyoto dye merchant, Matsuno Shoten, in 1929. This is not an ordinary example booklet of a business's product range, but contains rare insights into the industry, business and socio-economy of that period. It shows several photographs of the shop front, its workers, VIP drawing room and the owner's residence. In addition, numerous photographs of the workshops, design drawing, and dying processes show how kimono fabrics were produced. Particularly, a photograph of dyed fabric being rinsed in Kamo River shows how the industry was rooted in Kyoto environment.

This engaging booklet contains many photographs of interesting designs in black and white and their prices. At the back, 4 fold-out sheets show dyed fabric samples and are titled as "Specially discounted items in preparation for the gold embargo lifting". It was most likely expected that the lifting of embargo would trigger price hikes. Therefore, purchasing kimono fabric before the event was considered value for money. In Japan, the gold embargo was lifted in 1929, but swiftly re-introduced in 1930. Such drastic economic policy changes caused economic chaos in the country. This brochure was published just before the gold embargo was to be lifted.

Furthermore, interestingly, considerable sections of the booklet explains to customers how the dye business works. Topics which are covered include: how the dye prices are set; what happens when a dyed sample does not satisfy a customer's expectation and what happens to the sample which are out of fashion.

When referring to this item please quote stockid 176247.

Price: $250.00 AU

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