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Asian Papers and their Applications in Paper Conservation 

Date: TBD

Place: TBD

 

For inquiries please contact:

Overview:

The 3-day course will start with a theoretical session. Participants will study history and characteristics of Chinese, Korean and Japanese papermaking, including an overview of contemporary East Asian paper production. Several factors that can change the quality of paper during the papermaking process will be indicated and discussed. Participants will be shown microscopic images of the different fibers in Eastern papers.

A set of different Asian paper samples will be provided to each participant, so they can study the papers first hand and examine the fibers, sheet formation, alkali content and the results of different manufacturing processes and drying methods. Participants will also be able to analyze paper mulberry fibers from different countries and observe the changes after cooking with different alkalis.

 

After a theory session, participants will make small-sized paper using simple tools, with paper mulberry and with cotton fiber as a comparison. These small-sized paper sheets, without sizing, are often useful as repair paper itself. This practice will help participants understand basic papermaking techniques and assist in the creation of their own repair paper of appropriate weight and color.

Participants will make drying board (a.k.a. karibari) using a honeycomb board and mulberry paper, coated with acrylic dispersion. Drying boards are helpful to control the drying rate  without pressure while keeping the object under tension. This board can also be used as a support for oversized objects.

Participants will study friction drying - flattening Western paper objects with mulberry paper support; a process particularly complicated when applied to uneven thickness, short-fibred or moisture-sensitive paper (e.g. tracing paper).

Participants will also work on various methods of mending and lining, using different Asian papers and adhesives, as appropriate for specific objects, for example: iron-gall ink documents, handmade Western paper, transparent paper, smooth-surface machine-made paper. Participants will try double-sided lining with lightweight mulberry tissue for fragile paper support; they will also line objects and  use the drying boards made on the first day. Participants will test different repair methods using paper mulberry, mitsumata fibers, and Chinese paper with different adhesives, including making  re-moistenable tissue. Some useful tips in toning mulberry paper will be discussed including various applications of acrylic paints (air brush, brush, & dipping) and drying methods (hanging vs air-drying flat).

         

         

 

             Reviews available at:

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 PREVIOUS COURSES 

 

 “Asian Papers and their Applications in Paper Conservation”

June 4th - 6th, 2024

National Museums Scotland, Edinburgh, U.K

 

May 30 - June 1, 2023 

Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Firenze, Florence, Italy

 

August 30-September 1, 2022

Restauratieatelier van Erfgoed Leiden en Omstreken

Leiden, The Netherlands

 

September 7-9, 2021

Praglia Abbey, Italy

June 18-20, 2019

British Library, London, UK

August 7 - 9, 2018

Library of Congress, Washington DC, USA

July 3 - 5, 2018

British Library, London, UK

July 10 - 12, 2018

Galery Café Leidse Lente, Leiden, The Netherlands
 

July 11-13, 2017

British Library, London, UK

 

April 7-8, 2015                

Tate Britain, London, UK

 

June 28-30, 2014              

Public Archives, Porto, Portugal

 

May 21-23, 2014              

British Library, London, UK

 

November 14-16, 2013           

Smithsonian Institution Libraries, MD

March 20-22, 2013             

"Study of Asian papers used by E. Munch and review of mounting techniques"

September 5-8, 2022

Munch Museum, Oslo, Norway

 

 “Applications of Hanji, Korean paper in paper conservation”

 

June 5-6, 2014                  

Trivulziana Library, Milan, Italy

 

 “Uses for Korean Paper in Art and Conservation” (co-instructed with Aimee Lee)

 

April 6-7, 2013    

North Bennett Street School, Boston, MA

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