Japanese Papermaking and Water Printing

Japanese Papermaking and Water Printing

Endi Poskovic (Art & Design)

In this course, students explore paper making applying Japanese and East-Asian methods. Individual and group projects explore both traditional and experimental production of Japanese paper (Washi) from the long inner fibers of tree plants, the application of rice starch paste (Nori) as the vehicle in 3D-construction, engineering, art-making, book-binding, and hand-rubbing pigments with a Japanese baren from inked surfaces of timber plywood (Shina) to produce water color woodcut prints (Moku-hanga). Class lectures and demonstrations as well as workshop presentations by visiting speakers stress a historical and theoretical context of Asian papermaking in relation to the present technologies in art and design, as well as the relationship of contemporary art practices to the broader visual culture. The opportunity to bring master papermakers Hisashi Kano and Tomomi Kano to Stamps School, the University of Michigan and Southeastern Michigan will afford our students a great many chances to interact with distinguished makers, opening future conversations about collaboration, cultural exchange, study abroad and more.