A gorgeous book about the history and use of cotton in Japan (some 600 years). Inextricably linked with Japanese cotton is of course Indigo, and the book takes an in-depth look at this too. Lavishly illustrated on every page, it covers everything the textile artist/historian/quilter might wish to know about the topic. I particularly liked the examples of historical garments, especially the beautiful and much-patched workers' clothing. The interviews with artisans, textile artists and designers were all interesting too. A lovely book!

I found this book extremely interesting, covering all aspects of Japanese fabric production, decoration and uses, in life both traditional and modern day. The indigo, boro and shibori chapters where particularly excellent, as all these techniques are very popular in the western world at present.
There is a chapters which takes a look at the modern quilting artist who are producing very "now" pieces.
The book is filled with fabulous photos and lots of examples - a must for anyone who is interested in cotton cloth art and how Japanese tradition is integrated in the process

The text and photographs come together to make this exquisite book. It is well organized and provides in depth information about cotton, quilts and indigo. It should be in the library of everyone who loves and works with fabrics.

This is a gorgeous book full of beautiful photographs. History of fabrics of Japan is in depth but easy to read and understand for even a beginning student of fabric or lay people like myself. I was in awe of the methods used to make the different fabric. There are pictures of everything which greatly help the reader picture what is being described. I loved all the pictures of quilts and other fabric uses. There is also information about how things are made (and pictures to accompany the information of course). This is a detailed book. Great. I received a digital copy from netgalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

Stunningly beautiful. Cotton and Indigo covers the history of cotton and Indigo from a mainly Japanese viewpoint, which is breathtaking with vibrant color and photography. The history and reference to Japanese history and custom regarding the making of cotton fabric and dying with Indigo is a treasure-trove of wealth for the textile artist, fine artist, historian, lover of all things Japanese. Reading this book, or even just contemplating the gorgeous photos will inspire you to touch fibers, to want to weave, or paint, or play with your camera, or go to Japan and see these things up close and personal. This is an effective study of the Japanese roots of cotton and indigo, from which blue jeans descend. Get comfortable and inspired.. Highly recommended for libraries with Art collections, Textile Designers, Universities with textile and fashion.