Papermaking Material Item Number: Ed5.1531 a-b from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Nine mounted and labelled samples on an off-white card (part b) in a labelled folder of the same material (part a). Six rectangular samples of three kinds of bark used in Japanese handmade paper; three samples include both brown outer and inner bark; three are inner bark only, lightest in centre. Remaining three samples are a small square of yellow-white parchment; a larger square of light brown pounded mulberry; and a rectangular sample of light brown pattra inscribed with black cursive writing.
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. The 3 types of bark are the main materials for Japanese handmade paper. Kozo and gampi have been used for hundreds of years; mitsumata since the 17th century. Tapa, parchment, and pattra were among substances used for writing in parts of the world other than Japan.
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.
samples