An exhibition of Japanese handmade paper from the 19th century Parkes Collection (Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew) and from the Washi: The Soul of Japanese Collection of contemporary washi
Washi, or handmade Japanese paper, has long held a central role in the domestic, spiritual and cultural life of Japan. Its aesthetic of simplicity, purity and tranquillity mirrors a fundamental aspect of Japanese culture itself. At the same time, the striking diversity of washi-ranging from a white sheet of kozo so thin that you can read through it, to a three-layer confection including gold powder, mica and rayon fibres-highlights the creativity, skill and rigour that underpins this 1500-year-old Japanese craft.
This exhibition celebrates both the rich history of washi and the stunning variety that exists within the washi universe. Examples from two collections are featured here: the portion of the nineteenth century Parkes Collection held in the Economic Botany Collection at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and the twenty-first century Washi: The Soul of Japan collection.
The Parkes Collection was assembled by British officials in Japan in 1869 and 1870 at the request of the Prime Minister William Gladstone. None of these pieces have been exhibited in the UK prior to this exhibition, although they are available in the Economic Botany Collection for use by students and researchers. The exhibition highlights the Japan-British relationship forged in 19th century and today through washi.
Tuesday 12 March – Saturday 20 April 2013, Open: Tuesday to Saturday, 12 – 5pm (Closed: Sunday and Monday)
This exhibition is accompanied by performances, a conference and lunchtime talks. Please contact the venue for more details: Norwich University of the Arts Gallery
The event forms part of six-week festival of Japanese paper in Norwich, and the day includes private views of two special exhibitions, one on washi between 1870-2010 held at The Gallery at NUA, and one showing contemporary responses by paper artists to washi held at Anteros Arts Foundation.
This exhibition is held in association with: Sainsbury Institute for the Study of Japanese Arts and Cultures, Norwich University of the Arts, The International Association of Hand Papermakers and Paper Artists (IAPMA), Economic Botany Collection, Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew, Japan Foundation, Doshisha University, Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation,