Book #32

Kikko toji

This is the fourth common variant of the yotsume toji binding patterns. This is the kikko toji or tortoise shell pattern.

(Apologies for the quality of this photo. I didn't get a chance to take the photo until evening and the lack of natural light is evident.)

Book #31

Asa-no-ha Toji

This is another traditional variation of the yotsume toji. It is a more elaborate development of the koki toji that I showed yesterday.

Today I have successfully finished the first month of my year-long plan to post a different book structure or binding every day. So far, so good. I still think I can do it!

Book #30

Koki Toji

This is my favorite variant of the basic yotsume toji. It is also called the "noble binding" or Kangxi sewing pattern, because it was apparently devised by emperor Kangxi of the Qing dynasty.

Book #29

Yotsume toji

This is an example of the basic 4-hole sewing pattern used for Japanese pouch bindings, or yotsume toji. Since I like to stay true to historical bookbinding techniques whenever possible, I have tried to duplicate all elements of this historic binding process including materials, tools, and techniques (not just the sewing pattern). There are some traditional variations to this binding that I will show in coming days.

Yotsume Toji

"Japanese Bookbinding" by Ikegami was the first bookbinding book that I ever bought and I've always loved its focus on technique and process. I got it the day after my first bookbinding class and I read it cover to cover and gradually made everything in it including all the books, boxes, and scrolls. Just recently I did a few simple stab bindings, shown here, and I still think these bindings are the epitome of style and structure.

Shown right to left: basic four-hole binding yotsume toji; then the embellished corner variation called the Kangxi binding; the third is the tortoise-shell variation called kikkō toji; and then the hemp leaf pattern called asa-no-ha toji (which usually includes the Kangxi corners, I think).