Japanese Design Motifs

A design reference book that deciphers traditional Japanese patterns and decorations based on their structure and formation.

This book collects motifs that constitute traditional Japanese design, based on illustrations found in kosode (short-sleeved kimonos), stripes, striped fabric patterns, textile dyeing materials, pattern collections, and ornamental design collections. It examines these motifs not as individual patterns depicting flora, fauna, or objects, but as "units of form" that have been repeatedly used and shared within society.

This book categorizes planar designs into three types: "point-based composition," "line-based composition," and "plane-based composition," and examines how these structures are related and combined. It focuses on decorations that have been repeatedly used and established as a single form in clothing, textiles, crafts, and daily necessities, rather than highly individualistic, pictorial expressions.

This book traces the underlying principles of composition in Japanese decorative culture, showcasing patterns found in old pattern books, kosode, and textile dyeing materials with abundant photographs and illustrations. It is not only a resource for traditional patterns but also an interesting visual reference that can be applied to graphic design, textile dyeing, crafts, bookbinding, and more.

[Title] Japanese Design Motifs
[Publisher] Hozansha
[Publication Date] June 20, 1967
[Page Count] 122 pages
[Size] Approx. 200 x 215 mm
[Format] Cased
[Language] Japanese
[Title Reading] NIHON NO DESIGN MOTIF
[Author/Editor, etc.] Kazuyuki Tanahashi/Author, Kei Harada/Editor, Tetsuo Kurihara/Photographer
[Printing] Komaba Genshokuban Insatsu/Printing, Gakujutsu Seihan/Platemaking, Shashoku Shokiji Kenkyujo/Phototypesetting, Nakazawa Seihon/Bookbinding
[ISBN] -
[Condition] Used [4] Fair to Below Average (Box slightly damaged, main body: slight tanning on three edges)
[Accessories] Case
[Featured in] -
[Related Exhibitions] -

Kazuyuki Tanahashi (1933-)

Researched traditional Japanese patterns and decorations, and engaged in structural analysis of design. In this book, he organized traditional designs found in kosode, striped fabric patterns, textile dyeing materials, and pattern collections as planar compositions based on points, lines, and planes. He examines the formation and characteristics of patterns that have been repeated and shared within society.

< Related Figures >

Kei Harada, Tetsuo Kurihara, Tsutomu Ema, Hozansha