First edition. 3vols. 350 paper samples tipped in, split across first two volumes. Oblong, 260 by 365mm. Fukuro-toji binding, original brown Tosa washi paper wrappers with printed title slips, red cloth covered box with printed title, a fine set. First two volumes unpaginated both 179ff.; third volume 99pp. Kochi, All Japan Handmade Washi Association, 1992.
A handsome set, made to educate and excite readers on the topic of Japanese handmade papers. All text in both English and Japanese.
Morita Kohsei, the then-president of the All Japan Handmade Paper Association, writes (albeit in a slightly convoluted way) about the intention behind this set: "Through this book, I hope that many people, both here and abroad, may understand that Washi in its long history was supplied for usage of that age and that it is a traditional culture protecting green resources carefully and I would be happy if Washi is used discriminately with deeper appreciation of the quality and of the functionary role it plays to serve the paper's purpose."
The resulting set is an extraordinary collaboration between paper merchants, historians, paper-makers and printers, resulting in a comprehensive guide to washi paper. The first two volumes contain 350 paper samples, neatly mounted with captions detailing the specific type of paper, its size and characteristics. In the third volume there are essays about the history and technology behind Japanese paper and paper-making fibres. There is also a focus on the present-day (in the 1990s, when it was published), with an optimistic outlook on the future of paper-making in Japan.
Uncommon.
