The attire of the feudal lords and ladies of old Japan, warriors, priest, courtesans, Edo-period dandies geisha, footmen, farmers— in fact, the whole array of Kabuki's colorful characters-is discussed in fascinating detail in this Japanese Kabuki book. From kimono and armor to undergarments, from wigs to foot gear, from swords to hair garments—no aspect of costume accessories is overlooked. Textiles and textile designs, in all their profusion of weaves, colors, and patterns, are carefully taken note of, and a number of important traditional designs are illustrate. Make-up and headdress varying formats of costume for specific roles, styles of tying the obi--all are expertly described. Of the numerous books in English dealing with the Kabuki theater of Japan, none so far has devoted itself exclusively to costume. Kabuki is compelling bringing about such art forms, yet it is the costumes that create the intrinsic, eye catching spectacle. Praise for Kabuki Costume: "A product of over fourteen years of meticulous study, Shaver's unique and authoritative analysis of the labyrinthine complexities of Kabuki costumery not only provides…a valuable reference work for scholar, but also an apt introduction for anyone seeking to understand the principles of Japanese visual arts and theatrical conventions."—Choice Reviews

Sixteen spectacular costumes reproduced in brilliant color and elegant detail: shogun, geisha, wicked woman, red princess, lion, many more. Informative captions. 2 dolls, 16 costumes on 16 plates.

"Le kabuki est l'une des plus anciennes formes du théâtre traditionnel japonais. Apparu au début de l'époque d'Edo, cet art dramatique, toujours très vivant, se fonde sur un répertoire de pièces codifiées, écrites spécifiquement ou bien adaptées du théâtre nô, de récits traditionnels, et surtout du bunraku, théâtre de marionnettes. Ces représentations sont exclusivement jouées par des acteurs masculins, dont les fameux onnagata spécialisés dans les rôles de femmes, auxquels les spectateurs japonais vouent un véritable culte. Les costumes, extravagants dans leur conception, somptueux dans le choix des motifs et des tissus, et richement colorés, occupent une place centrale. Ils répondent à une symbolique très précise, révélatrice de la personnalité du rôle. Présentant les plus beaux costumes de kabuki accompagnés de leurs accessoires, illustré d'estampes anciennes et de photos d'acteurs, cet ouvrage rend hommage à cet art dramatique qui élève le théâtre et la danse à leur plus haut niveau. Il a été publié à l'occasion de l'exposition Kabuki Costumes du théâtre japonais, présentée à la Fondation Pierre Berge - Yves Saint Laurent."--P. [4] of cover.

The attire of the feudal lords and ladies of old Japan, warriors, priest, courtesans, Edo-period dandies geisha, footmen, farmers-in fact, the whole array of Kabuki's colorful characters-is discussed in fascinating detail in this Japanese Kabuki book. From kimono and armor to undergarments, from wigs to foot gear, from swords to hair garments-no aspect of costume accessories is overlooked. Textiles and textile designs, in all their profusion of weaves, colors, and patterns, are carefully taken note of, and a number of important traditional designs are illustrate. Make-up and headdress varying formats of costume for specific roles, styles of tying the obi-all are expertly described. Of the numerous books in English dealing with the Kabuki theater of Japan, none so far has devoted itself exclusively to costume. Kabuki is compelling bringing about such art forms, yet it is the costumes that create the intrinsic, eye catching spectacle. Praise for Kabuki Costume: "A product of over fourteen years of meticulous study, Shaver's unique and authoritative analysis of the labyrinthine complexities of Kabuki costumery not only provides...a valuable reference work for scholar, but also an apt introduction for anyone seeking to understand the principles of Japanese visual arts and theatrical conventions."-Choice Reviews.

One of the most comprehensive handbooks available on Kabuki theatre. Text describes the theater's development in the context of Japanese history, with detailed analyses of actors' techniques, music and dance, plays and playwrights, the playhouse's design evolution, and six representative Kabuki plays. Includes glossary of Japanese terms. "Highly recommended." — Library Journal.

spectacular costumes in brilliant color and elegant detail: shogun, geisha, wicked woman, red princess, lion, many more. Informative captions. 2 dolls, 16 costumes on 16 plates.