Washi—The Thousand Faces of Japanese Paper

This exhibition, titled “Washi—The Thousand Faces of Japanese Paper,” traces the material’s evolution from an everyday utilitarian object to a profound cultural asset that defines Japanese national identity. It explores Japan’s social, spiritual, and aesthetic development, including classical writing and book culture, religious rituals, clothing, and traditional interior design utilizing translucent sliding screens (shōji).

The exhibition also details the historical journey of papermaking, which arrived in Japan in the early 7th century via China and Korea, and was adapted to local plant fibers like Kōzo, Mitsumata, and Gampi. It addresses the decline of washi following the Meiji-era modernization and the rise of industrially manufactured paper, and its subsequent renaissance in the second half of the 20th century as a highly valued symbol of national identity. Contemporary artists, architects, and designers have since rediscovered its poetic qualities.

Curated by Japanese studies scholar Mirjam Dénes and paper conservator Veronika Bartha, the exhibition places a key focus on the conservation and restoration of washi. The Ferenc Hopp Museum's Japan Collection holds approximately 5,000 objects made of or on Japanese paper, emphasizing the need for a deep understanding of its material properties and historical function for preservation. A diverse accompanying program and an international symposium are also planned.