Title: Kodai Gire (Ancient Fabrics), 19th Century. Two Albums of Brocade Fabric Sample Books, with 164 Large Samples, Dating Circa 1600-1868
Condition: Very Good
Two Japanese brocade fabric sample books, entitled Kodai Gire or Ancient Fabrics, collecting various fabrics and pieces from the Edo Period, and assembled not too long after, likely at the very end of the Edo Period, or beginning of the Meiji Period.
There are 164 samples altogether, on both sides of pages, with a beautiful and dizzying series of designs and colors. Simple patterns, extravagant geometric designs, animals and dragons and more, with so many lit up due to the use of shining brocade threads.
The samples vary in size, but most are in a large format, with some half page and even full-page examples as well.
Two fabric sample books in orihon format (24.2 x 18; 25.4 x 18.6 cm), 7, 11 double sides leaves
These albums are in very good shape, with minor rubbing and wear to the bindings. The front covers are loosening, but holding, and there is some scattered staining to the pages, not affecting the samples themselves.