Our Thursday series features must-read books from each branch of the art bookshop NADiff. This week's book is "WASHI: Use and Beauty Only Paper Knows." It's featured by Gallery 5, our Shinjuku branch in Tokyo (3-20-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Opera City Tower, 3F).

■ "WASHI: Use and Beauty Only Paper Knows"

Washi paper, a traditional Japanese material recently registered as an intangible cultural heritage, continues to be used in a variety of fields today, thanks to its delicate texture and practicality, created through techniques passed down through generations. This book explores the appeal of washi paper, which can be freely transformed into a variety of exquisite objects, from everyday items to works of art.

Washi paper was closely linked to people's daily needs from the Edo period to the early Showa period. For example, washi clothing and small items such as umbrellas and carrying bags are made using the weaving and knitting techniques of the time. The designs applied to them are all naturally in keeping with the function of each item, and they seem to exude a beauty that can truly be described as "beauty of utility."

The importance of materials goes without saying, even in modern design, but this book conveys the high level of design awareness of the Japanese people, who have discovered the potential of washi paper, a rare material, and have continued to experiment for 1,400 years.

[Book Information]
"WASHI: Only Paper Knows Utility and Beauty"
Publisher: LIXIL Publishing
Language: Japanese
Softcover / 76 pages / 205 x 210 mm
Release Date: September 2016
Price: 1,800 yen