‘Exquisite Patterns: Japanese Textile Design Books’ film is now available on the BLPlayer at:
https://www.bl.uk/british-library-player/videos/exquisite-patterns
The video showcases the British Library’s collection of kimono pattern and design books. It displays the variety and vibrancy of these works, from their origins in the mid-17th century until the early 20th century.
Through this film, Head of East Asian Collections and curator Hamish Todd introduces some of the books and manuscripts which featured in British Library's 2020 exhibition. Hamish examines how and why they were produced and what they tell us about the cultural context in which they were created.