Paper Item Number: Ed5.2477 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. Detail of a large repeating pattern of stylized bird-like shapes in dark blue with a central black then red circle with 5 light white/brown oval petal-like shapes; red at wing edges, yellow band across centre of wings. Beak is triangular and the tail squared off. There are 6 intermittent light white/brown lines along wings ending near 6 light white/brown dots on red edges. Parts of other birds at edges. Ground is light white/brown fibrous paper. Mounting paper folds from left over part of sample.
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. Tui is a bird pattern.
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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