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[WALLPAPER - JAPAN] : KABEGAMI

[WALLPAPER - JAPAN]. KABEGAMI MIHON. n.p., n.d. [Japan??, late 19th century??]. Large, 30.0 x 45.2 cm., oblong tassel-bound portfolio of wallpaper samples. The cover title in gilt reads (in Japanese) "Wallpaper Samples". There are 30 sheets in varying sizes, each with a yen price on the reverse on a label that also includes standard size descriptions. So, either a sample book of European styles being sold in Japan, or, more likely, a sample book from a Japanese manufacturer of Japanese wallpapers to be exported to Europe and the Americas. Very deluxe, very thick, in that leather-like embossed paper traditionally called "karakami" in Japan. It should be noted that the important English wallpaper manufacturer Rottmen, Strome and Company had established a connection with a Japanese manufacturer in 1883 to produce such papers for international export. The sample book at hand has broken tassels as well as wear and chipping to the covers. The samples themselves are very clean. A Victorian marriage of traditional European design and traditional Japanese craft. Very unusual.

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