Washi Memories
Seaton, U.K. The Old School Press, 2023. Hardcover. Number 116 of 150 copies, of which 138 were for sale. Signed by Eleanor Burkett on the colophon. This recent title from the Press is a very handsome book that offers an important record of a bygone era of Japanese papermaking in the Fukushima province of Japan, in particular the work of families in the village of Kamikawasaki. The book is introduced by paper and textile artist Eleanor Burkett, and has a foreword by renowned paper historian, Sidney E. Berger. Eleanor has also written texts to accompany each of the photographs, based on conversations that she has had with papermakers there past and present. There are thirty atmospheric black-and-white photographs recording the families at work in the 1950s; each are accompanied by a commentary detailing the processes used. Each group of photographs is preceded by a heading in Japanese script printed from original calligraphy by Yoko Hashimoto. Samples of eleven papers that were once made in the area are included in each copy; they include pure kozo papers, dyed papers (pink and indigo of various shades), walnut-dyed crushed papers, and papers with petals. Additionally, the compliments slip of two papermakers printed on their own hand-made papers are tipped in. The text has been set by hand in 14pt Monotype Fournier italic, with ancillary matter in Stempel Optima, and printed on Matrix Fine Laid paper. The photographs have been printed digitally and tipped in. The quarter-cloth binding is in suminagashi decorated paper commissioned by Sarah Amatt. with Japanese letters in black, and a bright blue spine with a white title label. The book has Colorplan end-papers. Inserted is a small corrigenda sheet noting changes on pages 17 and 110. In fine condition. Measures 8.25 x 11.25 inches. The contents page, text pages, and colophon are numbered 9 - 115. PRI/71125. Fine.
Item #38131
Price: $450.00