Japanese Mingei Miniature Accordion Fabric Sample Books, Set of 3

Three pocket-size handmade Japanese fabric sample books, each featuring 28 samples of a different textile tradition: Tanba-fu (丹波布), Bashōfu (芭蕉布), and Sarasa (更紗). This charming set of contemporary Japanese folk craft (mingei) brings together traditional fabrics in a miniature format that's as interesting to explore as it is to look at.

Each fabric-covered book fits in the palm of your hand and opens into an accordion of individual fabric samples mounted on both sides of folded cardstock. These accordion-style books, known as orihon (折本), are also a form of mamehon (豆本), the Japanese tradition of miniature books.

The three collections feature:

• Tanba-fu (丹波布): Woven stripes and checks in natural tan, brown, and shades of indigo blue, representing a Japanese folk weaving tradition associated with the Tanba region. 28 textile swatches.

• Bashōfu (芭蕉布): Natural-colored woven fabrics with fine stripes, irregular patterns, and contrasting dark threads. Bashōfu is a traditional Okinawan fabric made from banana plant fibers. 28 textile swatches.

• Sarasa (更紗): Printed fabrics featuring floral, geometric, and repeating decorative patterns in reds, blues, browns, and other colors, reflecting Japan's long tradition of patterned cloth influenced by imported chintzes. 28 textile swatches.

Each little book has a fabric-covered front and back, a Japanese calligraphic title label, and its own matching kraft-paper presentation box.

For anyone who enjoys Japanese folk art, traditional fabrics, or handmade miniature books, this is a wonderful little collection to explore. It also makes a lovely gift for the Japanese craft or textile lover in your life.

Details

• Origin: Japan

• Craft tradition: Handmade Japanese folk craft (mingei)

• Format: Miniature accordion-fold books (orihon / mamehon)

• Dimensions: 1.6″ wide × 2.4″ long (4 × 6 cm) per book

• Contents: Three fabric sample books with three matching presentation boxes

• Collections: Tanba-fu, Bashōfu, and Sarasa

• Construction: Fabric-covered boards, folded paper pages, and individually mounted fabric samples

• Number of samples: 84

Condition

Excellent condition, with the individual character of handmade Japanese folk craft (mingei).