Paper Item Number: Ed5.2398 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Washi sample mounted horizontally on white, labelled and folded paper with 3-pointed leaf above scrolled 'm' watermark. Rectangular multi-coloured woodblock print sample. Alternating yellow, brown and light red/brown vertical stripes with white 'tied' paper rectangles, tinged in red and scattered over the top. Wide white border on right and bottom, narrow on left. Smudged along left edge. Mounting paper folds from right over part of sample. Mounting paper is stuck to sample at upper right.

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. Chiyogami was traditionally used for writing paper, poetry paper or for lining incense boxes or for wrapping cosmetics. It is presently also used for Anesama 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 in general. This pattern and the 'fukiyose' pattern, were used for portable sewing sets and for good tissue paper.

Cultural Context

sample

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.

Iconographic Meaning

Vertical stripes symbolize the traditional 'sembongoshi' lattice of residential buildings in downtown Kyoto.

Item History

What

Name
Paper
Identification Number
Ed5.2398
Type of Item
paper
Overall
height 51.5 cm, width 36.5 cm

Who

Culture
Japanese
Creator
Hirokazu Ohara (Maker)
Previous Owner
Yoshihisa Okamatsu
Received from
Yoshihisa Okamatsu (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Kyoto, Japan

When

Creation Date
before 1974
Collection Date
during 1977
Ownership Date
before March 23, 1977
Acquisition Date
on March 23, 1977

Other

Item Classes
works on paper
Condition
good
Accession Number
0369/0047 hh