Hinagata chō ひながた帳 (Model Book)
This Japanese pattern book, the Hinagata chō or Model Book, collects kimono design models for dyers and embroiderers and was printed in Japan for craftsmen rather than readers. Each page shows an outlined kimono silhouette with a painted motif placed on the skirt and sleeve areas: waves and clouds, a river with lotus leaves, birds on blossoming branches, and cranes over water. A designer can take the placement logic, with motifs anchored low on the garment and split across the seam, and the restrained palette of blue, grey and muted earth tones.
