Paper Item Number: Ed5.2474 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
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 is of variously coloured blooms and pool-like ovals with light white/brown details. Between blooms and pools are dark blue lines in an irregular curving horizontal pattern with intermittent lines across, as well as star-like leaves. All on a light white/brown ground. Sample at bottom right has 4 connected 5 sides shapes with central blooms at centre left in an uneven line; part of another at bottom right. Other blooms and leaves in various colours run across sample. All on a light white/brown ground. Multi-petalled orange bloom at top with stems and leaves to left. At bottom is a large dark pink/red bloom and an orange and green bloom to right.
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. 992 is of maple leaves and flowers connected by a stream.
sample
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.