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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.

Cultural Context

sample

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. 920 is a design of katabami leaves. 921 is a floral design.

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 is a series of heart shapes in alternating vertical rows facing down, then up. Each row alternates between dark yellow and red/brown hearts with a line at centre. Each is encircled, following shape in red/brown and connecting at sides with the next row. All on a near white ground. Sample at bottom is a series of circles touching each other at 4 sides. Alternating design of 4 petalled dark pink/red flowers with cross to black edge of circle with dark yellow centre on white with white detail, and many sided black shape with 4 points to dark pink/red circle edge on white with 12 sides white centre. Each encircled in white. Between circles are 8 petalled white flowers on a dark/pink ground.