Paperblanks Kuro Midi Hardback Journal – Plain, 144 Pages

Capture your ideas, plans and memories in this Kuro midi hardback journal from Paperblanks, with 144 plain pages of 120 gsm acid-free paper.

Our Kuro cover showcases a reproduction of an original piece of “katagami” art. This particular design is an example of a katagami stencil, crafted from mulberry bark and persimmon juice. The word Kuro means “dark” or “black” in Japanese and it’s the perfect title for this shadowy design.

The Story Behind the Design

“Katagami” is the formal name for the art of Japanese stencil design. While the ancient art can be traced back over a thousand years, these particular pieces are of a more contemporary era from the 19th and 20th centuries.

The stencil is traditionally made with all-natural material from the earth, using the inner lining of mulberry bark and juice from the persimmon fruit which acts to laminate and waterproof the finished stencil paper.

Each step of the process is thoughtfully and artfully undertaken to create an intricate and masterful production that paves the way for other mediums to take on its form.

Katagami designs are found all throughout Japanese culture, predominantly in both art and textiles from beautiful silk screens to ornate kimonos. The time and skilled craftmanship dedicated to this art form is remarkable and representative of the beauty of the country’s traditions and people.

With Japan’s art being so rich in diverse materials, an incorporation of the exquisiteness of nature in its tools and form is always present. This Kuro design is named after the Japanese word for “black” and perfectly highlights the floral and shadowed beauty created with a traditional Katagami stencil. Stunning in its uncompleted form the stencil bares a beauty all its own, steeped in the elegance and tradition of Japan.

• Original artwork: Katagami stencil
• Era: Late 19th or early 20th century
• Region: Japan

Product Details

• Size: Midi – 130 × 180 × 20 mm
• Interior: Plain
• Pages: 144 (72 sheets)
• Paper: 120 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: Kuro
• Series: Katagami Florals
• 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: 256 g
• Product code: PB5425-2 | ISBN: 9781439754252

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.