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Description

Washi samples mounted vertically on white, labelled and folded paper with 3-pointed leaf above scrolled 'M' watermark. Mounting paper folds in half with rectangular windows over 2 rectangular stenciled samples. Sample at top left has 2 types of large white blooms with dark blue centres on a blue ground. Both types have many petals, one has solid white ovals with triangles between oval edges; the others have white oval outlines, not joined at the top with 2 curved lines lines inside each petal. The centres all have a ring of white ovals. Line outlines of leaves extend from each. Sample at bottom right is of large dark blue and blue/grey blooms and leaves on a light white/brown ground. The centre bloom has an orange centre from which the petals extend out and curve into centre; detailed in white curved and wavy lines. The background leaves and blooms have white curved, straight and wavy line details.

History Of Use

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. Katazomegami is used to make illustrated books, cards, folding fans, postcards, calendars, bookplates, matchboxes, and other decorative applications. This paper was first developed by Keisuke Serizawa in 1935. He adapted a textile dyeing technique. 996 is from a traditional tamba cotton textile pattern. 997 is based on the tamba chugata pattern.

Cultural Context

sample

Narrative

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.

Item History

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