An Iro Cho: A Fabric Dyer's Sample Book

early twentieth century
when closed: 11 3/4" x 6" x 1", 29.75 cm x 15 cm x 2.5 cm

This accordion book contains 120 small dyed silk swatches that are set in the pages of what is a dyer's color sample book. This book is a selling tool for the custom dyeing of silk. It is referred to as an iro cho or color album.

The book is constructed of two cloth covers and the "pages" are folded: they are not bound so the book is able to be extended outward in one, long panel--this book would look beautiful displayed in this fashion.

The covers are stained, scuffed and faded and, likewise, the pages are also yellowed from age and show some wear and staining, which is understandable given the age of the book and that it was used hard during its lifetime.

A wonderful object from old Japan.

Recommended.