chiyogami (Paper)

Papermaking originated on the Asian mainland and spread to Japan by around the 6th or 7th century. For centuries Japan has produced the greatest quantity and variety of handmade paper or washi (和紙). 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, were plentiful. Washi is an important cultural symbol, as well as a significant aspect of both Shinto and Buddhist rites and customs. Chiyogami (千代紙) was originally produced as woodblock prints, and was likely first made in Kyoto. It was used for writing or poetry paper, for lining incense boxes, or for wrapping cosmetics. It is presently also used for Anesama (姉様) dolls, toys, artificial flowers and greeting cards. Although formerly an expensive luxury item used only by high-ranking individuals, chiyogami later became less expensive, and a popular gift for young women.

Part of Vol. V (chiyogami-katazomegami); sample no. 827; from Tesukiwashi Taikan (手漉和紙大鑑) published in Tokyo in 1973–1974, which features a collection of over 900 handmade papers. It was produced 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, Tokyo, Japan.

Chiyogami (千代紙) made in Tokyo is called Edo chiyogami (江戸千代紙) and chiyogami made in Kyoto is known as Kyō chiyogami (京千代紙). This collection features Edo chiyogami by Hirose Tatsugorō IV (広瀬辰五郎四代目), the fourth generation of Isetatsu (いせ辰), a shop established in 1864 in Tokyo (formally known as Edo 江戸), which specializes in Edo chiyogami and Omocha-e (おもちゃ絵/玩具絵) (“play prints”).

This pattern is called Yakushamon-zukushi (役者紋づくし), and includes kabuki family crests (mon), including Danjuro Ichikawa, Utaemon Nakumura, Mitsugoro Bando, and Koshiro Matsumoto. Other items are common to an actor's dressing room.

Washi (和紙) sample. Pigment is applied to a cherry wood block, then the paper is applied and rubbed using a baren, a disk-like hand tool used to burnish the back of a sheet of paper in order to lift the ink from the block.

Washi sample mounted vertically on white, labelled and folded paper with 3-pointed leaf above scrolled 'M' watermark. Rectangular multi-coloured woodblock print sample. Randomly placed objects on a yellow-green ground; mainly circles with designs, such as a cross, interlocking half circles, concentric squares with character at centre, various stylized floral and other designs. Other items include fans, brushes, cups, lanterns and cloth. Three character stamp at bottom left. White border at top, bottom and wider at left. Mounting paper folds from top over part of sample.