An Iro Cho or Color Album: Dyed Silk Swatches

early twentieth century
as shown, closed: 3/4" x 9 3/4" x 6 7/8", 2 cm x 24.75 cm x 17.5 cm
8 pages; 62 swatches

This is a dyer's album of silk color swatches called an iro cho or, literally, a "color album."

The well-bound, rigid board covers are tattered from wear as can easily be seen in the detail photos here. The end pages are beautifully ornate with flecks and squares of artfully arranged gold leaf. The commercially printed paper on the inside covers is of a wonderful and intricate pattern.

As mentioned above there are eight pages and 62 swatches here, in various tones and colors, probably all of them dyed with synthetic dyes.

Still, swatch books like this one are collectible, beautiful and always inspiring.