Lecture on Washi “Washi: Ancient Material, Inspiring Contemporary Resource”
2024/9/12
On September 12, the Embassy of Japan held a lecture about washi (Japanese paper) titled “Washi: Ancient Material, Inspiring Contemporary Resource”. The embassy invited Ms. Nancy Jacobi who is living in Toronto to give a lecture on washi at the Information and Culture Centre of the Embassy of Japan.
In 1982, Ms. Jacobi established The Japanese Paper Place in Toronto, a wholesale and retail distributor of washi. In addition to her business, she has been involved in inspiring fascination with washi among Canadian artists and the public in Canada for over 40 years through workshops, lectures, and exhibitions. In 2021, she received the Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation. Ms. Jacobi received this commendation for her contributions to the promotion of Japanese culture not only in Canada, but also in the world.
Mr. FURUYA Tokuro, Deputy Head of Mission, opened the event by expressing his hope that the participants would enjoy Japanese culture while deepening their knowledge of washi, traditional Japanese paper, which has been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List since 2014.
Ms. Jacobi described the history and manufacturing process of washi, while introducing the Japanese techniques involved in its production and explaining the characteristics of washi, which are quite different from those of common printing paper. In addition to the qualities of washi as an artistic paper, with its various colours and patterns, the lecture introduced various aspects of washi, including its use in many works of art and examples of famous artists who liked to use washi.
About 80 people attended the event. A lively question-and-answer session took place after the lecture. The public had the opportunity to touch washi provided as sample and was impressed with its texture.
In 1982, Ms. Jacobi established The Japanese Paper Place in Toronto, a wholesale and retail distributor of washi. In addition to her business, she has been involved in inspiring fascination with washi among Canadian artists and the public in Canada for over 40 years through workshops, lectures, and exhibitions. In 2021, she received the Japanese Foreign Minister's Commendation. Ms. Jacobi received this commendation for her contributions to the promotion of Japanese culture not only in Canada, but also in the world.
Mr. FURUYA Tokuro, Deputy Head of Mission, opened the event by expressing his hope that the participants would enjoy Japanese culture while deepening their knowledge of washi, traditional Japanese paper, which has been inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List since 2014.
Ms. Jacobi described the history and manufacturing process of washi, while introducing the Japanese techniques involved in its production and explaining the characteristics of washi, which are quite different from those of common printing paper. In addition to the qualities of washi as an artistic paper, with its various colours and patterns, the lecture introduced various aspects of washi, including its use in many works of art and examples of famous artists who liked to use washi.
About 80 people attended the event. A lively question-and-answer session took place after the lecture. The public had the opportunity to touch washi provided as sample and was impressed with its texture.
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| Minister Furuya delivering opening remarks | Ms. Nancy Jacobi during her presentation on washi paper | Participants actively interacting during Q&A |