In one of my first posts, I mentioned one of my favourite washi shops in Tokyo, namely Ozu Washi. I was tremendously fortunate to be able to visit there again in May as well as the Japan Traditional Craft Centre and thought you might like a peak at some of the truly beautiful handmade and hand-dyed paper that I purchased on my most recent trip.
The image above is just a little part of one of my favourite sheets.
But the trouble is that they are all beautiful and funds are limited naturally, so I just have to spend hours browsing, and trying to decide which ones I can't bear to leave behind. This one reminds me of the paintings my children did at the Rudolph Steiner school.
However, the more closely I look at them the more their beauty is revealed. I can easily spend 3 hours in there and not even notice that time has been passing.
Each one is so different from the last and a work of art really in its own right. That's what makes it so difficult to choose.
I find these papers truly inspiring, but sometimes I find it extremely difficult to cut into a sheet such as this. I feel instead that they should be exhibited in a gallery somewhere.
Please let me know what you think?
I agree, I have some paper that I love so much I haven't been able to cut into them yet!
I actually had someone contact me once about sending them a sheet of paper I had used to put in a frame, and she wasn't a a binder so we are not alone :)
Posted by: Kiley | July 08, 2009 at 04:36 PM
No we are not alone, the allure of truly beautiful paper attracts many. I am a glass artist in my real life and glass can be much the same. Sometimes we find a wonderful piece and figure out a way to use it with out cutting it, or at least minimally cutting it.
Posted by: Surfbunny | July 10, 2009 at 03:22 AM
Well, I am certainly glad to be a member of the paper loving club:-) Thank you Kiley & Surfbunny for sharing.
Posted by: Hilary | July 10, 2009 at 07:42 AM