Some of you may know that the leprosy is one of the oldest deceases described in the history. The disease was written even in the the Old Testament. In China, there was a part written in the Analects of Confucius.

To tell the story of people in the pictures as well as the long history of this decease, I wanted to make this object looks like Chinese Paleography. So I made some research on it and I had a chance to visit some Palaeography store in Taiwan where I could get to see the real Chinese Paleography.

When you scroll this book, you will see the images little by little. By this way of process, I wanted to imply the process how I advanced and discovered the story little by little. I wanted audience to experience same kind of feeling of the journey to meet the people and the situation where those ex-patients live.

Paper: Paper:
To make the object with the atmosphere of Chinese paleography, it was necessary to choose the right materials. I decided to use traditional Japanese Kozo paper which is very high-quality and still can see the texture of fiber which I believe is the best to realize the ancient feeling.

Cover:
For the cover, traditional Japanese textile is used. The textile is designed with embroidery of Ivy. This represents the environment of the people who are in the photographs. Cover is strengthend with traditional Japanese paper with traditional Japanese technic to increase the durability of the object.

Production:
All process are carefully done by hands with traditional technic.

Title calligraphy:
Title calligraphy is drawn by Misato Ichino, a Japanese calligrapher. Each calligraphy in the scrolls is original. After all production processes are done, Ms. Ichino drew the title directly on each object with extreme concentration and care. Each object title is unique.

The axis:
The axis is one of the important parts of scroll. I used a Japanese ceder called “Yoshinosugi” which is considered one of the best woods for its quality. “Yoshinosugi” cedar is from Nara prefecture, next to Kyoto. “Yoshinosugi” ceder is well dried at least for 6 month in the mountain after cutting from the forest then spent more time after they are brought to the factory to make it stronger. It’s good for long-term storage.

Box:
The box is made of paulownia wood and handmade by Hakoyoshi company who specializes Pauolownia wood box for 145 years. The box is made by traditional artisan technic and custormized especially for the size of “Vanishing Existence” special edition. Paulownia wood is considered one of the best to preserve sensitive materials since the beginning of 8th century Japan.

Vanishing existence
-special edition-

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Limited edition of 10
Title calligraphy by Misato Ichino
27,5cm x 10m (scroll) / 10,5 x 9 x 35cm (box)
English & Japanese
Published in November, 2013
All hand made by the artist
Published by THE BACKYARD

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