Album voor Bokutei 1894

This is an album, made at an unknown date by diverse makers, from textile and paper. The cover is particularly interesting. It appears to be made from a woven material, likely a bast fiber like hemp or ramie, which gives it a tactile, organic quality. Notice the way the threads intersect, creating a subtle grid. This texture contrasts with the smooth paper label, which features elegant calligraphy. The album format itself speaks to a history of collective creativity. It's likely that the pages inside hold works by multiple hands, bound together in a single volume. This hints at a social context of artistic exchange and collaboration. By considering the materials and construction of this album, we can appreciate it not just as a container for art, but as a crafted object with its own story to tell. This approach challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, revealing the rich cultural significance embedded in everyday objects.