Handmade Paper in China 1982-1999
Brookline, MA: The Research Institute of Paper History and Technology, [1999]. Softcover. Elaine Koretsky (1932 - 2018) was a papermaking pioneer, an internationally respected scholar, and a fearless adventurer who infused passion, energy, and creativity in everything she did. She lived a brilliant life as a wife, mother, nationally acclaimed woodworker, and internationally renowned handmade paper artist and historian. Along with her husband, Sidney, she traveled throughout the world, particularly in Asia, documenting traditional papermaking in remote places. In 1994, Elaine established The Research Institute of Paper History and Technology, a non-profit organization, located in a carriage house, which houses her vast collection of paper-making books, handmade paper, and papermaking tools and artifacts from all over the world [information from her obituary and the North American Hand Papermaker memorial].
This uncommon work was published by the Research Institute of Paper History. It is probably number 3 of 100 copies, based on a penciled notation on the inside front cover. There are two parts to this publication, the text and a collection of 34 paper samples (one of the samples is much smaller than the others and is inserted in a small envelope) , both housed loose in a cream handmade paper folder with a title label on the cover. There is an unusually folded text document that describes papermaking processes in China, the two primary categories of their handmade papers, and a description of each. The descriptions include the name of the province where they were located, and each paper's size, fiber, and the probable uses of each paper sample. She concludes her text by saying: "Despite the fact that hand papermaking is gradually disappearing, I am convinced there are still more papermaking villages to find in remote parts of China. I shall continue the search." A fascinating look into this tradition and process invented by the Chinese more than 2,000 years ago. In near fine condition. Text document measures 4 x 6 inches; folder measures 7 x 11 inches. Unpaginated. PRINTING/072424. Near Fine.
Item #37388
Price: $350.00