Evenementen gedurende het jaar 1889

Kobayashi Eitaku made this book cover, titled "Events During the Year," in Japan, but we don't know exactly when. Made from paper, the surface is indigo dyed, and features a repeating square pattern. While the cover is printed, other editions of this book have been painted and the paper is folded in the traditional orihon style. This binding method allows pages to lay flat while open, a prized feature for readers, writers, and artists alike. This beautiful, subdued object stands as a testament to the cultural importance of bookmaking in Japan. But also, we should remember, paper production has always been a demanding process, tied to histories of manual labour. The surface design, too, would have required complex dyeing processes. So, next time you pick up a book, consider not only its contents but also the hands that brought it into being. By appreciating the materials, the making, and the context of creation, we gain a far richer understanding of our world.