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. 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. Kasuri is a textile pattern used for commoners' everyday clothing.

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

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 has a regular pattern of 8 oval petalled flowers with a dot at centre. Each is surrounded by a 6 sides frame, and each side is formed by 3 lines outlines in dots with dots between. The vertical lines at each side are shorter than the 2 angled sets, top and bottom. The frames interconnect with the sides of one forming the side of the next. All in white on a blue ground. Sample at bottom right is a black and light white/brown regular checker work pattern. White crosses with 'e' shaped indented edges have 4 white squares in corners of checker square with dots between cross and squares. The other checker square is formed by 4 white dots at centre with dashes and dots between squares.