The Sunday Paper #78

Sponsored Paper of the Week: Oguni Shikishi – Kakishibu – Persimmon Treated Kozo Washi Paper from Washi Arts

Images from left to right
Kakishibu pleated and pattern dyed washi / Kakishibu dyed Oguni Shikishi handmade Japanese kozo washi paper 7.5” x 7.5” / Antique Japanese stencil of kakishibu treated washi which has been oiled, smoked and aged / kakishibu powder and a stroke of kakishibu dye / kakishibu treated washi · woven (image from Kakishibuii)

This Kakishibu dyed 65g kozo washi Japanese paper is 7.5″ x 7.5″ and is handmade with four deckle edges and is sized. This is a wonderful sheet for small works.

Oguni is the Japanese village where the paper is made. Shikishi refers to the small square format traditionally used for calligraphy and small drawings. Kakishibu (kaki = persimmon, shibu = tannin) is fermented persimmon juice which has been aged for more than five years to extract maximum tanins which give the juice/dye waterproofing and strengthening qualities as well as a beautiful color which continues to deepen and develop over several years. These handmade kozo washi squares have been treated with multiple layers of the kakishibu ready for you to use for stencils, embellished pages for books, printmaking, collage and structures. 

You can also order natural kozo squares and kakishibu powder to treat and dye your own paper. Note that the short fibers of Western paper make it unsuitable for kakishibu as it is too weak when wet.

Washi Arts is offering this special to Sunday Paper readers:  Three sheets of handmade kozo washi scroll format paper 6.75” x 21.75” (shipped folded) with a sampler of kakishibu powder and instructions for using. Regular value is $32.00 / Special price is $25.00 

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In the Studio: 

Today’s studio update is about another studio – the Mills College Book Arts studio and program. Please join our efforts to save the only MFA in Book Art & Creative Writing in the country – an innovative, interdisciplinary program with an international reputation.

Here’s how you can help (please click now, this is urgent): Sign the petition.

Share you story about the program on Tumblr.

Thanks for your support of this vital and active book arts program that is churning out professionals in our field! I do believe that together we can make a difference.

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If you are thinking of attending the 2020 olympics in Tokyo, you’ll be delighted to learn that a total of 10 companies in Japan have put their combined energies into the creation of this new automated paper cutting and folding machine. Called the Orifuji, the concept initially came about as a way to express the Japanese culture of omotenashi, or hospitality, in restrooms ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

I love these paper weavings by Amy Loewan at the Willock and Sax Gallery in Banff, Canada. These are on view now during the annual meeting of the Friends of Dard Hunter, which is just wrapping up in Banff. 

You probably know that I have an obsession with paper and light. Check out these sweet little origami lanterns that can simply slip onto those holiday light strands.

Here’s a twist on the reusable paper cup from Chipotle. The marketing team decided to partner with well known writers to enlighten us while we drink (and eat – they’ve created unique paper bags too) through their Cultivating Thought initiative.  And yes, this is slightly old news (maybe you’ve already seen these) because this editor cooks food at home rather than frequenting fast food chains.

There are so many paper resource on-line these days. Here’s a link to the Decorated and Decorative Paper Collection at the University of Washington.

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About our sponsor: Wa = Japanese and shi = paper. Washi = Japanese Paper. Washi Arts sole focus is Japanese papers, tools and supplies for creative artists and businesses. By having this focus we can offer the widest range of papers – fibers, colors, patterns, weights and sizes for a variety of uses. Japan has a culture that honors excellence in craftsmanship and the 1,400 years of continuous paper-making mean the quality in excellent and dependable. Washi Arts is a retail partner of The Japanese Paper Place in Toronto, which has the largest selection of Japanese paper, under one roof, anywhere in the world. Get daily creative inspiration and see what artists, architects, designers, calligraphers, binders and conservators are doing with washi on instagram,  facebook, and twitter. 

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Thank you to those who have pledged your support, and enjoy your Sunday!