Paper Item Number: Ed5.1866 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Washi sample mounted on white, labelled and folded paper with 3-pointed leaf above scrolled 'M' watermark. Sample is white textured sheet formed by concentrated and dispersed white fibres over surface and some thick course multi-strand fibres. Five pieces of dark green fern, two at left, two at right, one central, are imbedded in white sheet. Flecks of gold and some silver in varied sizes are scattered randomly across surface.
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. For fusuma sliding doors. Developed in 1920's. After world war two, sukiawasegami was exported.
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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