Kōgei
Kōgei
Tokyo: Jurakusha, Shōwa 6, 1931–1951
Watson call number: Bookcage NK 1071.K63, Numbers 1–120.
First published in 1931, Kōgei celebrated the Mingei folk art movement, and was issued monthly, except for a three-year hiatus during World War II.
Keisuke Serizawa (1895–1984), whose work in katazome (stencil dyeing) influenced the periodical’s distinctive cover designs, served as editor from 1931–1932. Many covers of Kōgei carry stencil-dyed patterns; each of the 120 issues bears a cover unique from the next. Ranging from plaids to solid colors, from abstract prints to stylized portraits and floral motifs, vibrant materials and dynamic designs highlight the creative nature of this publication. Covers are cotton textile or kozo paper; issues are printed on kozo.
Among other topics, Kōgei ‘s content examines ceramics, printmaking, bookbinding, calligraphy, Japanese paper, tea ceremony, embroidery, Kurashiki carpets, handmade textiles and dyeing; as well as the Mingei movement outside Tokyo. Articles and individual issues focus on the work of Serizawa, Kanjirō Kawai (1890–1966), Shikō Munakata (1903–1975), Shōji Hamada (1894–1978), and British Ceramicist Bernard H. Leach (1887–1979).
Watson library is one of few institutions worldwide to own a complete set of this periodical.
Issues shown above: 91-96, 101-106 (Please click on image to see all covers).