The Art of Washi Paper in Japanese Rare Books (FutureLearn)

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.

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.

- Repairing Japanese rare books.

- Repairing 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.

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 in its production methods, materials, locations and purposes.

- Describe the basics of traditional papermaking process 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 process at the sheet-forming stage.

- Explore the new possible usage of washi.