In a limited edition production with family-run bookbinders Shinohara Shiko, we are proud to present Volume 03: Gods, which examines the close relationship between religion and culture.
The subject invites a plethora of possibilities, but our focus remains very human: the stories explore how people relate to religion and its traditions today through their craft and life's work.
Produced in collaboration with a group of talented writers, academics, writers, translators, and illustrators, the stories in this book are as diverse as they are intellectually voracious. They run the gamut from the state of religion in Japan today and mythological imagery in anime, to a deep dive into folk dance Iwami Kagura — which has its roots in Shintoism — and how one Buddhist monk has revamped his temple for modern times.
The Washi collector’s edition is a Bradel-bound hardback featuring a 1:1 scale sculptural rock physically incorporated into the hardcover binding. The rock is brought to life with hand-crafted washi paper, its warm, organic texture at once tactile and visually beautiful. Due to the hand-crafted nature of each cover, no two are perfectly alike.
Our washi paper is made by craftsperson Gen Taniguchi of Nao Tesuki Washi, Saga Prefecture. Washi has long been used in Japanese ritual and Shinto practice, and wrapping a form in washi echoes a tradition of using it for repair and preservation. The cover expresses what the book is about.
Our companion Volume 03: collector’s edition is the Void, printed in clear resin.
This item is eligible for free international shipping by Japan Post Registered Small Packet. Delivery times will vary by destination, and may take at least one to two weeks.
Featuring
Fukudaya, Genshosha, Iwami Kagura Yunotsu Maiko Renchu, Kobayashi Kobo, Koyama Kobo, Otori Shrine, Satoyama Install, WATOWA, Yunotsu Onsen, ZENSO
Collaborators
Claire Williamson, Hikari Hida, Hikaru Kusaka, Justine Wong, Kirsty Bouwers, Kumiko Noda, Mia Tillonen, Moe Suzuki, Noemi Minami, SHIO, Stevie Suan, Yeelian Tan
Specifications
Washi rock hardcover, 180 pages
A5 (148 x 210 mm)
Cover: Papier-mâché rock made with washi paper hand-crafted by Gen Taniguchi of Nao Tesuki Washi, Saga Prefecture
Body: 115 gsm matte coated paper, printed in Japan by NIKKEI PRINTING INC.
Bound in Tokyo by Shinohara Shiko
Published by sankaku
