Paper Item Number: Ed5.1558 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Washi sample mounted horizontally on white, labelled and folded paper with 3-pointed leaf above scrolled 'm' watermark. Sample is rectangular, translucent, light white/brown with very few dark brown flecks and fibres. Faint watermark pattern of widely spaced vertical and closely spaced horizontal lines. Upper surface is smoother. Upper and right edges are cut straight; lower and left edges retain irregular deckle edge.
Papermaking originated on the Asian mainland and spread to Japan by 1500 years ago. For centuries Japan has produced the greatest quantity and variety of handmade paper or washi in the world. Traditionally, papermaking was a family or community enterprise which thrived in mountain farming communities where cold, pure water and wild bast fibre shrubs, such as mulberry, are plentiful. Washi is an important cultural symbol and holds a place in nearly every aspect of Japanese life. It is also a significant aspect of both Shinto and Buddhist rites and customs. Nasu kozo is grown in northern Ibaraki, one of 3 major paper producing districts in Japan. Paper was made and accepted as taxes in the Kamakura Period. Fuedal Lord Mitsukuni Tokugawa of the Mito clan encouraged cultivation of kozo; brought from local farmers from 1688. This paper is named after the paper producing and distributing centre of Nishinouchi.
This is part of the Tesukiwashi Taikan, a collection of handmade paper published, in an edition of 1000 copies, in Tokyo as a project to commemorate the centennial of Mainchi Newspapers and to preserve Japanese handmade paper. A collection on this scale had not been made before. This collection consists of 5 boxes of mounted and labelled samples with an explanatory book in 4 of the boxes. The text is in Japanese and with less detail, in English. Compiled and edited by a special editorial staff of scholars. Published by the Mainchi Newspapers of Tokyo, Japan.
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