Bookbinding in a European-run Japanese paper factory

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Bookbinding in a European-run Japanese paper factory

European-run Japanese paper factory - sorting piles of handmade paper by size and weight. The European boss/overseer is at rear. Date: circa 1910s

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 14313740

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

Artisan Binding Bookbinding Craft Finishing Pages Weighing Weight

EDITORS COMMENTS
1. Title: A European Overseer Inspects Handmade Paper Piles in a Japanese Paper Factory: A Blend of Tradition and Modernization, Circa 1910s This evocative photograph captures a moment in time at a European-run Japanese paper factory, where the fusion of Eastern and Western influences is palpable. The scene is set in the heart of Japan, with women in traditional attire meticulously sorting piles of handmade paper by size and weight. At the rear of the room, a European boss or overseer, dressed in Western attire, observes the process with keen interest. The women, who are expert paper finishers and binders, are collating and weighing the sheets to ensure consistency in the production of high-quality paper. The intricacy of their work is evident in the precision with which they handle each sheet, their focus unwavering as they meticulously sort through the piles. The paper-making process in Japan, a centuries-old craft, has been refined through generations. The European influence, however, brought modernization and new techniques to the industry. This photograph encapsulates the delicate balance between tradition and innovation, as the women continue to practice their artisan skills under the watchful eye of their European overseer. The paper, once collated and sorted, would be used for various purposes, including bookbinding. The European presence in Japan during this era played a significant role in the development of the Japanese publishing industry, with many European-style books being produced using Japanese paper. This photograph offers a unique glimpse into the past, providing a window into the rich cultural exchange that took place between Europe and Japan during the early 1900s. It serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of both the traditional Japanese paper-making craft and the European influence on its evolution.

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