Japanese paper exhibition being held at Norwich University of the Arts

By DAVID FREEZER Friday, March 15, 2013
6:30 AM

An exhibition is currently on show in Norwich city centre about washi – handmade Japanese paper.

Washi: The Art of Japanese Paper exhibit opens at Norwich University of the Arts. Dr Mark Nesbitt, Yoshie Sakata and Nancy Broadbent Casserly. Photo: Andi Sapey.

The free exhibition is open Tuesday to Saturday between 10am and 5pm at The Gallery at Norwich University of the Arts (NUA). in St Georges Street, until Saturday, April 20.

It features Japanese handmade paper from the 19th century Parkes Collection, from the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew, and from the Washi: The Soul of Japanese collection of contemporary washi.

The paper has held a central role in the domestic, spiritual and cultural life of Japan for 1,500 years, ranging from white sheets so thin you can read through them, to a three-layer confection including gold powder, mica and rayon fibres.

Tomorrow, NUA is hosting a one-day conference bringing together expert speakers about all aspects of washi from all over the world, including Dr Mark Nesbitt from the Royal Botanic Gardens.

Tickets for the conference are £35, to book a place email washi@nua.ac.uk