Paperblanks Kikka Mini Hardback Journal – Lined, 176 Pages

Capture your ideas, plans and memories in this Kikka mini hardback journal from Paperblanks, with 176 lined pages of 85 gsm acid-free paper.

Our Michiko Miniatures Kikka cover reproduces Michiko Kamee’s “full of chrysanthemum” design originally handpainted with gold overglaze and colour on china by employing Kyo-Satsuma. In this design the viewer can see hints of the kaleidoscope of flowers in bloom, as well as fine boned artistry in every brush stroke.

The Story Behind the Design

To find the divine, first consider the small. Case in point are the exquisite visual epiphanies found in Michiko Kamee’s art on miniature objects. Michiko Kamee condenses large-scale beauty in her small art works until she finds its purest distillation. Our Kikka journal reproduces Kamee’s “full of chrysanthemum” design, originally hand-painted using gold overglaze and colour on a china teacup.

This design was created in the traditional Satsuma style (17th–19th centuries), with gilded polychromatic enamel overglaze applied to the surface in a variety of delicate brush strokes. This decorative style was in high demand in Europe during the second half of the 19th century, and Kamee’s detailed rendering shows off the techniques of Kyo-Satsuma through precision in line, colour choice and breathtakingly beautiful gilding.

The name “Kikka” translates from the Japanese word for chrysanthemum. Similar to the cherry blossom (sakura), the chrysanthemum is a revered national symbol of Japan. Chrysanthemums flower in the fall, and so they are considered the seasonal counterpart to the cherry blossom.

With its chrysanthemum theme and tiny details, there is fine-boned artistry in every brush stroke and kaleidoscopic hue of this design. By reproducing Michiko Kamee’s artwork using our unique printing processes, we celebrate the universal beauty of this particular cultural style.

• Original artwork: Michiko Kamee’s “full of chrysanthemum” Kyo-Satsuma teacup
• Era: Contemporary
• Region: Kyoto, Japan

Product Details

• Size: Mini – 95 × 140 × 18 mm
• Interior: Lined
• Pages: 176 (88 sheets)
• Paper: 85 gsm acid-free cream laid paper
• Cover: Hardback
• Closure: Elastic band
• Binding: Smyth sewn – lies flat and stays durable
• Corners: Rounded
• Pouch: Memento pouch
• Design: Kikka
• Series: Michiko Miniatures
• Satin ribbon marker
• 100% recycled binder boards
• Decorative printed cover paper
• Endpaper with credit and copyright information as well as historical background for the original artwork
• Threaded stitching and glue, as needed
• Acid-free paper
• Memento pouch
• Weight: 147 g
• Product code: PB3621-0 | ISBN: 9781439736210

About Paperblanks

Paperblanks works with museums, libraries, galleries and artists around the world to faithfully reproduce remarkable artwork, historic bindings and treasured manuscripts. Every book is made to last, with binder boards crafted from 100% recycled materials, and the back endpaper tells the fascinating story behind the cover design and credits its creators.