In stores now as part of Paperblanks’ new Spring 2013 catalogue, the Kirikane collection is made up of four designs inspired by an 11th century Buddhist decorative technique called Kirikane. More specifically, these four designs were reproduced from the work of contemporary Japanese artist–and Kirikane revivalist–Sayoko Eir (1945-2007).
Each of these four designs are available in two formats: Midi and Mini.
A Meditative Decorative Practice
Literally “cut gold”, Kirikane refers to the meditative practice of decorating Buddhist paintings and statues with gold metal leaf. The precision of the kirikane artist is informed by devotion and mindfulness. The earliest surviving examples of kirikane originate from Baekje (18 BCE–660 CE), one of the three ancient kingdoms of Korea.
In Japan, kirikane flourished during the 11th century until it faded from view three centuries later, all but extinguished by the use of gold paint to replace precious metal.
The Work of Kirikane Revivalist Sayoko Eri
Our Kirikane series was inspired by the work of contemporary Japanese artist Sayoko Eri (1945-2007). A devoted revivalist of kirikane, she studied the traditional art form and applied it to everyday items such as boxes and screens as well as statues of Buddha.
The decorative patterns of Sayoko Eri’s creations–which we have reproduced using our own unique printing processes–put the observer in a contemplative state of mind.
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About Paperblanks®: We have been producing superb writing journals for twenty years. We are book people, and we believe that the written word matters and that our blank books have a critical role to play in the art and continued practice of writing itself. For more about Paperblanks®, go to our website at paperblanks.com.
