Workshop Understanding and selecting Japanese papers and tools for conservation

Workshop Understanding and selecting Japanese papers and tools for conservation

Author: Leila Sauvage (paper conservator)

Tutors: Takao and Shinobu Moriki (Tokyo), Leila Sauvage (Amsterdam)
Dates: Tuesday 27 May, 10:00-16:00, incl. coffee, tea, lunch breaks
Location: Atelier Gebouw, Hobbemastraat 22, 1071ZC Amsterdam
Workshop fee: 150,- euro, incl. btw, incl. lunch
Max. number of participants: 15
Language: English
Registration and information: send an email to l.sauvage@uva.nl with your full name, post address and email for the invoice
Note: in case the maximum number of participants is reached, a second date will be scheduled (Wednesday 28 May).  

Workshop content 

The availability of Japanese paper, or washi, has increased in Western countries due to its growing use in art conservation. However, globalization has led to confusion about its quality and origin. Many papers labeled as washi contain non-Japanese fibers or wood pulp, which can cause conservation issues due to misleading appearances and a lack of essential information. Clear communication between papermakers, distributors, and users is crucial to maintaining conservation integrity. 

This workshop aims to establish key quality factors and selection guidelines for washi. It will begin with a talk by Takao Moriki, representative of Japanese papermakers, who will provide an overview of the qualities of washi available to conservators today. He will discuss its production processes, materials, techniques, and terminology. Shinobu Moriki will follow with a presentation on the tools used in Japan for handling and working with washi. In the second part of the workshop, participants will have the opportunity to handle the Japanese papers and tools introduced in the morning sessions. Takao and Shinobu Moriki, along with Leila Sauvage, will guide conservators through various types of washi available on the market, discussing their properties and conducting simple conservation-related tests. This workshop is open to conservators of all specialties interested in expanding their knowledge of materials and techniques. Participants are encouraged to submit case studies or specific questions in advance so they can be addressed during the session. Selected papers and tools will be available for purchase at the end of the workshop. Those interested in specific items should inform the organizer upon registration.

Information about the tutors 

Takao Moriki is the third-generation president of Moriki Paper Company, Ltd., based in Tokyo, Japan. His great-uncle, Yasumi Moriki, founded the company in 1925 in Yokohama as a supplier of Japanese tissue paper known as "Tosa Tengujo" and other traditional papers, collectively called "Washi." Under the leadership of Takao's father, Shinji Moriki, the company began exporting directly to the USA in 1979 and to the UK and West Germany in 1983, expanding its global reach. Takao has continued this legacy by working closely with local papermakers across Japan to support the industry and meet the diverse needs of conservators, artists, designers, and craftspeople worldwide. He and Shinobu have participated in international conservation events (i.a. ICROM International Course on Conservation of Japanese Paper, 36th Congress of the Comite International d’Histoire de l’Art, IADA) More information about Moriki paper: https://www.morikipaper.co.jp/en/ 

Leila Sauvage is paper conservator and scientist at the Rijksmuseum since 2011. She has been working as coordinator and lecturer in book and paper conservation at the University of Amsterdam since 2020. She holds a master’s degree in book and paper conservation from the University of Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne.