Paper Item Number: Ed5.2207 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 pictorial; white grey sheet torn in half, joined again by light brown pictorial inset of narrow boat bow on diagonal among green leaves and stalks. Inset's surface sprinkled with fine gold foil square pieces. Another dark brown inset sprinkled with gold and silver foil squares joins grey paper at base. Both grey pieces have faintly patterned surfaces in grey parallel curving lines arranged in waves, gold bird silhouettes, and on right side, two fishermen in boat.
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. Writing paper intended to represent court lady's costume of traditional times.
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.