Ukiyo-e - "pictures of the floating world" - is a genre of Japanese woodblock prints and paintings that date to the Edo period (1603-1868). The kimono print that inspired this book cover was created by art publishers for Japanese theatre companies in the early 1900s. These meticulous reproductions of small details from artworks by the greatest artists of the Edo period continue to influence contemporary garment design trends.

The kimono pattern that inspired this design was originally a woodblock print created by Japanese art publishers for theatrical costumes. This genre of artwork, known as "ukiyo-e," dates to the Edo period (1603-1868), and this particular design was created sometime during the early 1900s. Original Art: Kimono print. Era: 1900s. Region: Japan.