Edited and authored by Roger Yorke

Excerpts from book Introduction: Japan is a nation renowned for its rich cultural heritage, which is profoundly reflected in its traditional ceremonies and rituals. A significant component of these ceremonies is the use of textiles, which play a crucial role in symbolizing cultural values, social hierarchies, and spiritual connections. The careful selection, crafting, and presentation of textiles in Japanese traditional ceremonies serve to preserve and transmit cultural identity, aesthetics, and values from one generation to another. From the vibrant kimono to the meticulously woven gift and altar cloths, textiles are integral to the essence of these ceremonies, encapsulating the essence of Japan's history, spirituality, and social structure. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Japanese artisans whose creations have served as a profound source of inspiration, leading me to curate and contemplate their often overlooked and undervalued achievements. Hopefully, the diverse forms of Japanese ceremonial textile art showcased in this book will ignite curiosity among readers and fellow researchers, encouraging deeper exploration of the lesser-known facets of Japan's remarkable cultural legacy.

"Japanese Ceremonial Textiles: 18th to 20th Centuries" showcases numerous color images featuring over one hundred of the rarest and most exquisite Japanese ceremonial textiles. The book includes over a hundred close-up shots to highlight the extraordinary craftsmanship behind these textiles. This first edition is limited to 500 copies and each copy is signed by the author.