JAPANESE BOOKBINDING: INSTRUCTIONS FROM A MASTER CRAFTSMAN by Kōjirō Ikegami
Written by one of Japan’s leading master bookbinders, this guide offers clear, step-by-step instructions for creating traditional Japanese bindings and bookcases, preserving centuries of craftsmanship for modern makers.
Adapted for Western readers four decades ago by Barbara B. Stephan and written by one of Japan’s foremost master bookbinders, Kojiro Ikegami, this enduring guide to traditional Japanese bookbinding remains the definitive resource on the art form. Now available in a newly repackaged edition, it presents clear, step-by-step instructions for creating the major and historically significant styles of Japanese bindings, along with the elegant folding bookcases designed to protect them.
Both American and Japanese suppliers of traditional tools and materials are provided, and substitutes are recommended for items not readily available. For centuries, Japanese books have been treasured for their beauty and craftsmanship; this classic text makes their creation accessible to today’s readers and artisans.
Timeless in both form and function, these bindings are ideal for preserving calligraphy, letters, artwork, and poems, for adding a distinctive touch to limited-edition books, and for use as diaries or gifts.
Kojiro Ikegami, third generation in a line of professional bookbinders, is one of the few full-time practitioners of the craft in Japan. He has repaired innumerable antiquarian books, many designated as national treasures or important cultural properties, at his workshop in the Tokyo National Museum. In 1979 he received a distinguished government award—the Sixth Class Order of the Rising Sun—for his contribution to the conservation of significant books in Japan's history. Recently retired, he is succeeded by his son Yukio, who continues the family profession at the museum workshop and at their home studio in Tokyo.
-
Title
Japanese Bookbinding: Instructions from a Master Craftsman
-
Authors / Editors
Kōjirō Ikegami, Barbara B. Stephan
-
Publisher
Shambhala Publications
-
Pages
128
-
Dimensions
252 x 177mm
-
Format
Softcover
-
Year
2026
Shipping Terms
Recommended last orders
United Kingdom: Tuesday 17 December
We highly recommend placing orders for Christmas as early as you can.
Delivery
We aim to process orders within 1–2 working days. Orders placed on a Saturday and Sunday will be processed from the next working day. If you need something in a hurry please call or email us before placing an order to ensure the item is in stock.
UK
All mainland UK orders are sent using Royal Mail, which usually arrives within 1–2 working days after despatch. We use Parcelforce and DHL on heavier or bulkier orders, which can take 2 working days to arrive. Royal Mail Signed For, Parcelforce and DHL all require a signature as proof of delivery. Please note that postage costs for addresses that are not mainland UK may vary.
European Union and Single Market
Please note that due to the introduction of the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) in December 2024, we are no longer able to ship to the EU and Single Market (including Northern Ireland). This does not affect items such as workshop bookings, Studio Passes, or Gift Vouchers.
International
Please note that LCBA cannot be held responsible for any import duties, taxes or delays in processing once your order arrives in-country. It is important that international orders include a contact telephone number and email address at checkout in the instance that the carrier needs to contact you for taxes and/or duties to be paid.
Out of Stock
We make every effort to ensure all products are in stock, but in the event of us not having your chosen product we will contact you and offer either a refund or a split- or later delivery if possible.
Returns
We hope you are happy with your purchases from London Centre for Book Arts, but if not, we can offer a refund on any item as long as it is returned in a saleable condition within 30 days of receiving your item. Please note that we are unable to reimburse postage costs for returns. For further information, or to make a return, write to us atorders@londonbookarts.org.