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The Art of Washi Paper in Japanese Rare Books

Learn about the history, production and design of papers used inside Japanese Rare Books.

7,137 enrolled on this course

Verticaly written Japanese hand writing on a beautifully decorated white washi paper

The Art of Washi Paper in Japanese Rare Books

7,137 enrolled on this course

  • 3 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Intermediate level

Find out more about how to join this course

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.

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Skip to 0 minutes and 14 seconds Books tell us a lot about a country’s culture. This is because books preserve not only words and pictures, but we can also use them to learn about the technologies and traditions of the country at the time the books were produced, as well as the tastes and sensibilities of the past. Hello, I am Takahiro Sasaki. I research Japanese rare books at Keio University’s Institute of Oriental Classics. You can find a considerable variety in Japanese rare books, in the design, bindings, shape, size, and color of the covers. Such variety is quite unique to Japanese books. One of the major factors that made this diversity possible is, obviously, “paper”, the main material used in books and the main topic of this course.

Skip to 1 minute and 20 seconds Just as there are many kinds of books, there are many different types of washi – traditional Japanese paper. They are different in color, texture, strength and durability depending on the materials used, production and processing methods. Why did Japanese people produce such a variety of paper and how did they choose paper for books? Learning about the paper used in rare books will give you a deeper understanding of Japanese culture. In this two-week course, you will learn about the paper used in old Japanese books from both a scientific and cultural perspective.

Skip to 2 minutes and 8 seconds In the first week, we will study the definition and history of Japanese paper along with its manufacturing methods and materials as well as how to distinguish the different types of washi. Then, in the second week, you will learn about Japanese papermaking techniques, focusing on the processing of the beautiful decorative papers used in books, and discuss why and when people used such decorative papers. You’ll find so many beautiful Japanese rare books in our library; some books are gorgeous with beautiful covers. You’ll come to understand that paper plays an important role in the beauty of rare books. I am sure you’ll enjoy this course and discover interesting aspects of Japanese book culture.

Skip to 3 minutes and 10 seconds What’s more, you will be able to enhance your knowledge of Japanese culture and art in general. Why not join us in learning about the fascinating world of washi?

What topics will you cover?

Week 1

  • How to categorize washi paper.
  • How the washi paper is crafted.
  • What kind of materials are used to make washi.
  • Washi paper used in our daily life.
  • The history of paper.

Week 2

  • Bookbinding of traditional Japanese books.
  • Restoration of Japanese rare books.
  • Various restoration by Washi paper in the world.
  • What you can tell by examining washi paper.

Week 3

  • How the washi is colored.
  • How to decorate washi during the sheet-forming process.
  • Gorgeous papers decorated with minerals and fabrics.
  • Even more variety of decoration such as embossing and shita-e.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • 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.

Who is the course for?

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.

Who will you learn with?

I'm a Professor at Keio University's Institute of Oriental Classics. I'm the lead educator of the courses "Japanese Culture Through Rare Books" and "The Art of Washi Paper in Japanese Rare Books".

I am a lecturer at Gakushuin Women's College and a member of the Society for the Study of Washi Culture. I'm one of the educators of the "The Art of Washi Paper in Japanese Rare Books" course.

Who developed the course?

Keio University

Keio University is Japan’s first modern institution of higher learning, and since 1858 has established itself as a leader in Japan through its continued commitment to education, research and medicine.

  • Established

    1858
  • Location

    Tokyo, Japan
  • World ranking

    Top 200Source: QS World University Rankings 2021

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$27.99

For the first two months. Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$109/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 9 Apr 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

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