The Art of Washi Paper in Japanese Rare Books

Deepen your understanding of rare books and Japanese culture

The papers inside books can last hundreds of years if cared for correctly.

This course will look at the history of papers used inside Japanese rare books, and in other cultures across the world.

You’ll learn about the materials and technologies used to produce Japanese papers, particularly the use of traditional washi paper.

You’ll understand the crafting process used to create Japanese rare books, including the use of design and decoration techniques.

You’ll find out how to identify the different types and varieties of papers used in Japanese rare books.

※このコースは日本語版もございます。
The Japanese version of this course is available.

This course is aimed at anyone interested in Japanese rare books and papers. It may be of particular interest to librarians, bookshop professionals, paper conservators, researchers and designers.

The course makes use of a number of visual resources which may unfortunately make some of the activities not accessible to learners with a visual impairment. Course videos are provided in Japanese with English subtitles.

This course can also be studied alongside two companion courses, Japanese Culture Through Rare Books and Sino-Japanese Interactions Through Rare Books.

This course is aimed at anyone interested in Japanese rare books and papers. It may be of particular interest to librarians, bookshop professionals, paper conservators, researchers and designers.

The course makes use of a number of visual resources which may unfortunately make some of the activities not accessible to learners with a visual impairment. Course videos are provided in Japanese with English subtitles.

This course can also be studied alongside two companion courses, Japanese Culture Through Rare Books and Sino-Japanese Interactions Through Rare Books.

• Explain the definition and history of washi paper.
• Classify washi paper by its production methods, materials, locations and purposes.
• Describe the basics of traditional papermaking processes and two types of sheet-forming processes in Japan.
• Investigate washi paper to identify its production method and material.
• Identify several different techniques to decorate the washi paper used in Japanese rare books including coloring, usage of minerals and fabrics as well as special processes at the sheet-forming stage.
• Explore the new possible usages of washi.