Call Number:

F0946

Repository:

University of Delaware Library Special Collections

Extent:

53 item

Language:

Japanese and English

Preferred Citation:

MSS 0099, F0946, Asao Shimura correspondence with Gilbert Beale regarding Japanese papermaking, Special Collections, University of Delaware Library, Newark, Delaware.

Date:

1978-1980, 1999 (inclusive)

Creator:

Shimura, Asao

Form:

Japanese paper (handmade paper), correspondence, and Newsletters

Abstract:

Asao Shimura (born 1950) is a papermaker and authority on papermaking techniques and historical papermaking processes. He has published over twenty-five miniature handmade books documenting the history of papermaking and natural dyeing processes. Shimura exchanged letters and various paper samples with English printer Gilbert A. Beale between 1978 and 1980.

Japanese papermaker Asao Shimura (1950- ) is an authority on papermaking techniques and historical papermaking processes. He has published over twenty-five miniature handmade books on the history of papermaking and natural dyeing processes.

Shimura grew up in Tokyo and attended Tokyo Technical College, where he studied industrial chemistry and water analysis. After graduating in 1971, Shimura conducted an extensive tour of traditional papermaking and natural dyeing techniques throughout Japan. With a small platen press, Shimura began producing miniature books under the imprint of the Bunseido Press, which later became Cannabis Press (also referred to as CP). In December 2008, Shimura changed the press's name to Asa Press.

Koretsky, Donna. "Asao Shimura."Hand Papermaking (Winter 1989: 23-25). Shimura, Asao. "CV of Asao Shimura." Last modified August 2012. http://asapress.info/images/books/CV_Asao_Shimura.pdf (accessed March 5, 2014).

Japanese papermaker Asao Shimura exchanged letters discussing Japanese papermaking with English printer Gilbert A. Beale between 1978 and 1980.

The correspondence includes receipts for paper purchases made by Beale and lists of other available items to purchase, including papermaking tools and Shimura's miniature books. Shimura and Beale discussed paper samples according to size and weight. The two also speculated on the etymology of washi (Japanese paper) names, such as kozo, mitsumata, gampi, and kuwa. Shimura also printed his Bunseido Press newsletters on his handmade paper; in the newsletters Shimura announced travel plans for workshops and lectures.

Also included is a letter from Shimura to Donn W. Sanford, who had inquired about Shimura's miniature books he had obtained from Beale. There are also two envelopes for which there are no associated contents.