Paper Item Number: Ed5.1953 a-c from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Non-mounted, brown-black rectangular paper sample (c) 36 x 25 cm, with gold lines and rows of characters along the short axis, framed by gold lines across the long axis; straight edges. Separate protective tissue. Pebble finished, rectangular white card (b), 50 x 36 cm, with black printing in Japanese and English, describing the sample. Protective folder (a); light white-brown with irregular deckle edge on all sides. Sample has two faint black circular patches along one margin.
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 work shown here is konshi (indigo paper) on which the words of the 'Hannya-Shingyo' (Prajnaparamita Sutra), from the 'Sumidera Shingyo', are printed in gold dust. This sutra is referred to as the 'Corner Temple Sutra'.
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.