32 original leather paper (kinakaragami) samples measuring 320 by 400mm bound in. Oblong folio, measuring 320 by 445mm. Original decorative leather wrappers, green cloth spine, edges frayed and chipping to upper cover, wear to edges but the samples themselves all very good. London, Sanderson, no date but c, 1886.
A working catalogue of imported Japanese leather papers from the British interiors company Sanderson, who still exist today.
Japanese leather paper, known as kinkaragami, is a thick textured paper with gold and pigmented finishes that look and feel like embossed leather. Japanese craftsmen sent such papers to be exhibited at world trade fairs, such as the Paris Expo in 1868 and in Vienna in 1873. British and European interior designers began to notice, most notably Christopher Dresser (1834-1904), and soon they were stocked in Liberty's too. Thus began the nineteenth-century boon for kinkaragami-adorned walls in stately homes, notable examples being Buckingham Palace and Oscar Wilde's 'The House Beautiful' on Tite Street.
The present catalogue bears the trademark of Sanderson's, at the time Arthur Sanderson & Sons, a British importer of fine papers founded by Arthur Sanderson in 1860. According to the company history, it was from 1886 that they started importing Japanese leather paper. The catalogue boasts the latest designs 'of the finest quality produced by the Government Works at Tokio, Japan'. There is some indication of the popularity of these papers from the request to customers that they should express a first and second choice as stocks may not last.
Within the catalogue there is a dazzling array of designs. Most are botanical, with large floral motifs in the foreground and more minute patterns subtly texturing the background. Two samples (see nos.7590 and 7806 in the catalogue) appear to have Islamic influence, while others are more reminiscent of Indian chintz (no. 7339) and chinoiserie (no.7404). There is much to be studied from this catalogue on the cross pollination of design during the early Meiji period / late nineteenth century.
Rare. We have not found another copy of this catalogue.
