Paper Item Number: Ed5.2342 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Washi samples mounted horizontally on white, labelled and folded paper with 3-pointed leaf above scrolled 'M' watermark. 2 rectangular woodblock print samples. Top sample has evenly spaced lines of light blue circles with dark blue centres. The bottom sample is diagonal right to left bands alternating red with pink and dark with light blue with black lines between. Geometric design of triangles and lines reminiscent of abstract flowers. Wide white border on right, narrow border at bottom. Top sample at bottom centre. Mounting paper folds from right over part of samples.

History Of Use

Papermaking originated on the Asian mainland and spread to Japan by around the 6th or 7th century. For centuries Japan has produced the greatest quantity and variety of handmade paper or washi (和紙). 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, were plentiful. Washi is an important cultural symbol, as well as a significant aspect of both Shinto and Buddhist rites and customs. Chiyogami (千代紙) was originally produced as woodblock prints, and was likely first made in Kyoto. It was used for writing or poetry paper, for lining incense boxes, or for wrapping cosmetics. It is presently also used for Anesama (姉様) dolls, toys, artificial flowers and greeting cards. Although formerly an expensive luxury item used only by high-ranking individuals, chiyogami later became less expensive, and a popular gift for young women.

Iconographic Meaning

The patterns are called Mameshibori (豆絞り) and Osome (お染). Sample 818 has a pattern derived from a textile tie-dye technique. Sample 819 is a pattern found on an obi (sash) of the kabuki actor in the role of Osome. Osome is a tragic female character that was popular with girls in Edo.

Specific Techniques

Washi (和紙) sample. Pigment is applied to a cherry wood block, then the paper is applied and rubbed using a baren (a disk-like hand tool used to burnish the back of a sheet of paper in order to lift the ink from the block).

Narrative

Part of Vol. V (chiyogami-katazomegami); sample nos. 818-819; from Tesukiwashi Taikan (手漉和紙大鑑) published in Tokyo in 1973–1974, which features a collection of over 900 handmade papers. It was produced 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, Tokyo, Japan.

Cultural Context

Chiyogami (千代紙) made in Tokyo is called Edo chiyogami (江戸千代紙) and chiyogami made in Kyoto is known as Kyō chiyogami (京千代紙). This collection features Edo chiyogami by Hirose Tatsugorō IV (広瀬辰五郎四代目), the fourth generation of Isetatsu (いせ辰), a shop established in 1864 in Tokyo (formally known as Edo 江戸), which specializes in Edo chiyogami and Omocha-e (おもちゃ絵/玩具絵) (“play prints”).

Item History

What

Name
Paper
Identification Number
Ed5.2342
Type of Item
paper
Overall
height 51.5 cm, width 36.5 cm

Who

Culture
Japanese
Creator
Tatsugoro IV Hirose (Maker)
Previous Owner
Yoshihisa Okamatsu
Received from
Yoshihisa Okamatsu (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Tokyo, Japan

When

Creation Date
between 1973 and 1974
Collection Date
during 1977
Ownership Date
before March 23, 1977
Acquisition Date
on March 23, 1977

Other

Item Classes
works on paper
Condition
good
Accession Number
0369/0046 l