Paperblanks Mandala Midi Hardback Journal – Lined, 144 Pages

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

Artistic, religious and cultural traditions unite in this handwoven design. The fabric we have reproduced is an expression of the weaver’s cultural heritage. In Buddhist tradition, the term “mandala” refers to a spiritual symbol representing the universe, specifically when in a geometric pattern as seen here.

The Story Behind the Design

Artistic, religious and cultural traditions unite in the handwoven fabric behind this Sacred Tibetan Textiles design. For centuries, Muslim families in Varanasi, India, have practiced the art of handweaving silks to create cloths and vestments for sacred rituals. The city lies just twelve kilometres from the Buddhist pilgrimage site Sarnath, where the Buddha first gave his sermon upon becoming enlightened. In this place, Islamic, Buddhist and even Hindu practices have become woven together in harmony.

In Varanasi, the Kasim family has been practicing this meditative tradition for generations, passing down the knowledge and reverence of their ancestors. The fabric reproduced on our cover comes straight from the Kasim Silk Emporium and is an authentic expression of the family’s cultural heritage. In this design, created for Buddhist monasteries and the Dalai Lama, the weavers have portrayed the path to enlightenment, both in the Eight Auspicious Symbols of Buddhism represented by the pattern and in the brightness of the colours chosen. As with many such textiles, the symbolism is deep and varied in our Mandala pattern. Most prominent, though, is the repeated shape of the Endless Knot. Representing harmony, the knot is a common mandala and an important Buddhist cultural marker.

An expression of faith and spirituality, this brocade fabric is both beautiful and highly symbolic, and the care that goes into each individual stitch is a visual example of the weaver’s adherence to a sacred ritual. With our Sacred Tibetan Textiles series, we pay tribute to the rich heritage of Indian handweaving and to the craftspeople who continue this devotional practice today.

• Original artwork: Handwoven textile from the Kasim Silk Emporium
• Era: Modern piece, ancient tradition
• Region: Varanasi, India

Product Details

• Size: Midi – 130 × 180 × 20 mm
• Interior: Lined
• 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: Mandala
• Series: Sacred Tibetan Textiles
• 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: 275 g
• Product code: PB5281-4 | ISBN: 9781439752814

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.