Paperblanks Natsu Mini Hardback Journal – Lined, 176 Pages

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

Rinpa is a leading historical school of Japanese painting, established in 17th-century Kyoto, whose artists were known for working in a range of formats. This Natsu design shows a section of a paper screen with various types of blooms often believed to follow the ancient Japanese language of flowers.

The Story Behind the Design

These intricate details of spring and summer flowers are from an 18th-century Japanese paper screen by artist Watanabe Shikō (1683–1755), who painted in the Rinpa style (and was reputedly a rōnin!). Beautiful gold accents make up every intricacy of the leaves and flowers in this rich and romantic composition.

Rinpa is a leading historical school of Japanese painting, established in 17th-century Kyoto, whose artists were known for working in a range of formats, notably screens, fans, hanging scrolls and kimono textiles. Many Rinpa paintings were used on the sliding doors and walls of noble homes.

The design on our cover shows a section of a screen with various types of blooms often believed to follow the ancient Japanese language of flowers, called Hanakotoba. Flowers were used to convey emotion and communicate with the viewer without using words.

We are honoured to have the use of this original work from the Ashmolean Museum of Art and Archaeology at the University of Oxford, where Japanese material has been exhibited since the earliest stages of the Museum’s history.

With the hidden emotive language of flowers against an opulent, golden backdrop, this Rinpa Florals design is sure to inspire your own creative freedom.

• Original artwork: Screen with spring and summer flowers, 1701–1749
• Era: Early 18th century
• Region: 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: Wrap closure with hidden magnets
• Binding: Smyth sewn – lies flat and stays durable
• Corners: Square
• Pouch: Memento pouch
• Design: Natsu
• Series: Rinpa 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: 150 g
• Product code: PB9611-5 | ISBN: 9781439796115

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.