In the wake of the apocalyptic destruction of Tokyo in the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923, building facades were clad in copper or mortar as a fire retardant, leading to the emergence of “signboard architecture” decorated with Western-style reliefs, Edo-period designs and so on. These distinctive buildings display a sophisticated level of craftsmanship now in decline. Miyashita has compiled a pictorial guide of signboard architecture from around the country, consisting of his own  illustrations with notes, focusing particularly on buildings from the early 20th century.

A visual banquet of the beautiful embroidery of the Miao people of Guizhou, China that is not so much a craft, as an art form. Lacking a written language, for centuries the Miao have preserved their stories and myths via song, needlework, and oral tradition. Embroidered folk costumes made not for royalty or nobility but ordinary people and serving as talismen for the protection of loved ones, are presented here by individual village. Please note this volume does not contain embroidery patterns.