In English and Japanese. Volume 1 of 2. From inside front flap. Here is a strikingly beautiful collection of color photographs of Japanese patterns found on clothing, ceramic ware, lacquer ware, and other items. Some of the patterns have existed since the earliest days of Jana's recorded history, and many have their origins in ancient Persia, China, and Korea. Those imported form abroad underwent numerous changes as their were adopted locally, so that many of them now bear a distinctive Japanese flavor. Comprising an encyclopedic collection, the two volumes of Japanese traditional Patterns illustrate over 500 pattern types, as well as 600 related family crests, and provide informative text delineating the history and development of the patterns. The patterns are arranged by category and fully indexed for easy reference.