Widely popular in Japan in the first half of the 20th century, Meisen is a ‘kasuri’ kimono, an inexpensive product for commoners made from fabric that has been woven with fibres dyed specifically to create patterns and images. The fresh designs and vivid colours of this modern textile gave women the freedom to publicly express a personal sense of fashion. As such, the Meisen kimono played an integral role in Japan’s modernisation, overturning the stereotypical image of the kimono as luxurious traditional wear. This richly illustrated book introduces around 70 examples of Meisen kimonos from various regions, together with design illustrations and posters from the period.