{"product_id":"paperblanks-kuro-midi-hardback-journal-plain-144-pages-pb5425-2","title":"Paperblanks Kuro Midi Hardback Journal – Plain, 144 Pages","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCapture your ideas, plans and memories in this Kuro midi hardback journal from Paperblanks, with 144 plain pages of 120 gsm acid-free paper.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eOur 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eThe Story Behind the Design\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003e“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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eEach 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eKatagami 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eOriginal artwork:\u003c\/strong\u003e Katagami stencil\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEra:\u003c\/strong\u003e Late 19th or early 20th century\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eRegion:\u003c\/strong\u003e Japan\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eProduct Details\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSize:\u003c\/strong\u003e Midi – 130 × 180 × 20 mm\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eInterior:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plain\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePages:\u003c\/strong\u003e 144 (72 sheets)\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePaper:\u003c\/strong\u003e 120 gsm acid-free cream laid paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCover:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hardback\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eClosure:\u003c\/strong\u003e Elastic band\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eBinding:\u003c\/strong\u003e Smyth sewn – lies flat and stays durable\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCorners:\u003c\/strong\u003e Rounded\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePouch:\u003c\/strong\u003e Memento pouch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eDesign:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kuro\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eSeries:\u003c\/strong\u003e Katagami Florals\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSatin ribbon marker\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e100% recycled binder boards\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDecorative printed cover paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEndpaper with credit and copyright information as well as historical background for the original artwork\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThreaded stitching and glue, as needed\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAcid-free paper\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMemento pouch\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWeight:\u003c\/strong\u003e 256 g\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eProduct code:\u003c\/strong\u003e PB5425-2 | \u003cstrong\u003eISBN:\u003c\/strong\u003e 9781439754252\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch3\u003eAbout Paperblanks\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003ePaperblanks 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Paperblanks","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54386199494984,"sku":"PB5425-2","price":15.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0920\/5114\/5032\/files\/9781439754252_FrontHighRes.png?v=1792779602","url":"https:\/\/shop.penandpaper.co.uk\/products\/paperblanks-kuro-midi-hardback-journal-plain-144-pages-pb5425-2","provider":"The Pen and Paper Stationery Company","version":"1.0","type":"link"}