Book "CALICO's Guide to Indian Handmade Fabrics"

The universal work of textiles handed down in rural India. What began as an interest in learning more about them, led to repeated experimental production of textiles, learning from weavers and makers, working hand in hand, and before long, a part of CALICO's activities involved letting people know about the real, present-day Indian handmade textiles, not just about admiration or nostalgia.

"CALICO's Guide to Indian Handmade Fabrics" Shogakukan
Text: Fumie Kobayashi Photo: Yayoi Zaimoto
2300 yen + tax
B5 variant, 160 pages

(Added on July 5, 2025)
The errata is here .
-------

The book will guide you through the world of Indian fabrics through CALICO Kobayashi's interests, perspectives, and travels themselves.
Although what is depicted there is only a part of the vast forest that is Indian fabric, it would be my greatest hope if it could serve as a starting point for allowing you to imagine its size and richness.

Those who sign up will receive a free Khadi handkerchief or a 50cm square Khadi scrap.

Below is an introduction from Shogakukan.
---
[Introduction]

A journey through the beautiful handmade fabrics of India

In recent years, Indian handicrafts, which are still being made in India, have been attracting attention, overturning the image of Indian goods as "cheap and kitschy". This book focuses on textiles that are attracting particular attention, such as Khadi (hand-spun and hand-woven cotton). Fumie Kobayashi, one of the Japanese people who knows the current state of Indian handicrafts best, and who continues to make fabrics and clothes using traditional techniques with Indian artisans as the founder of CALICO: the ART of INDIAN VILLAGE FABRICS, will guide you through the deep forest of Indian fabrics that spreads across the vast land. Yayoi Arimoto's photographs, which vividly capture the vibrant people, fabrics, and earth that weave the world of Indian handicrafts, guide you on your journey along with Kobayashi's writing. This book will help you understand the current state and greatness of Indian handicrafts, such as what kind of fabrics are made, in what kind of land, by what kind of people, and how they are made.


[Recommended information from our editors]
While Indian hand-dyed textiles are often discussed based on vintage items, this book is a valuable document that focuses on the "now". Why is it that such a time-consuming and labor-intensive job can continue as a livelihood in India today? This is a must-read book for fabric lovers, as the more you learn about the fabrics and their background, the more you will want to touch the real thing.

table of contents

The language of Indian fabrics / Chapter 1: In search of Indian fabrics / Chapter 2: Indian fabrics that changed the world / Chapter 3: The current state of Indian handmade fabrics 1: The people of Kutch 2: Return to natural materials 3: The age of identity / Chapter 4: The work of CALICO