This is the season of wishing fo a brand new beginning.
In the tale of artisans Vol.5 with the theme of “Kiyoshi”, we introduce two crafts, “Sekishu Washi” produced through limpid water, and “Kaga Mizuhiki” to decorate celebratory events. The two crafts that are appropriate to welcome a fresh new year. Please enjoy yourself as long as time permits.
Sekishu Washi (Sekishu Paper) is a paper produced in the Iwami (Sekishu) region of Shimane Prefecture.
According to the Kamisuki-Chohoki (Chronicles of the Paper Making Process), Kakinomoto no Hitomaro, who became the daimyo of Iwami around 704 – 715 A.D., introduced the method of making this paper. During the Edo period, Sekishu Washi was widely known throughout Japan and was used by Osaka merchants as a ledger. The reason for this is that even if a fire broke out, the paper could be thrown into a well to protect important records of sales and purchases without tearing.
In 2009, Sekishu Washi was listed as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO.
Mizuhiki is said to have originated in the Heian period (794 – 1185), when the Japanese interpreted the red and white strings that were placed on boxes used to hold goods during trade with China as something to be placed on gifts. Orikata is an ancient Japanese custom of wrapping items by folding paper. The custom of wrapping gifts in this manner was passed down from generation to generation in the Heian and Muromachi periods. However, the Kaga Mizuhiki, with its fluffy wrapping style that is different from other Mizuhiki cultures, was invented by Tsuda Mizuhiki Orikata’s founder, Sokichi Tsuda, in the Taisho period (1912 – 1926). It is a rare traditional craft of Ishikawa Prefecture, characterized by its three-dimensional wrapping method and Mizuhiki decoration, which is also three-dimensional and can be considered an art form.
Shiba district in Tokyo is a place where you can still feel the wind of Edo-era. Shiba Park Hotel is a good old hotel that has weaved its way through time in harmony with the traditions and culture of this area. Shiba Park Hotel is also a library hotel with a diverse collection of books. We hold an exhibition called “Tale of Artisans” which tell stories of traditions (tales) that they have developed and nurtured.
November 28 (Mon.), 2022 – March 5 (Sun.), 2023
11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
1F Library Lounge / 2F Foyer Book & Culture
Admission Free
Curator: Nipponnowaza.com
(Managed by Braincafe Co., Ltd.)
