Paper

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.

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.

sample

Four reproductions from one million dharani charms mounted on labelled off-white card (b) which folds in half; protective tissue and outside paper (a) of very light brown/white. Label on right outside is thin brown paper strip with vertical black characters. Each sample is a very narrow light yellow/brown translucent paper strip printed with black characters, 5 per column, from one end of strip to the other. Third sample is darker, less translucent. Each sample has stamped number: 0 0683;0 1009; 0154; 01107.