kokenoshimagani (Paper)
About this object
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. Made as a side business from December to March by the only papermaker left in this once thriving papermaking hamlet.
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
Physical description
Washi sample mounted horizontally on white, labelled and folded paper with 3-pointed leaf above scrolled 'm' watermark. Sample is rectangular, thin, translucent, very light white/brown, almost white, with a few light yellow/brown flecks and fibres. Faint watermark pattern of widely spaced vertical lines and closely spaced horizontal lines. Left and upper edges cut straight; light and lower edges retain irregular deckle edge.
Categories
Materials
Date Made
Before 1974
Date Acquired
23 Mar 1977
How Acquired
Donated
Measurements
51.5 x 36.5 cm
Object Number
Ed5.1573