伝統的な手漉き和紙の技術を継承しながら、新しい表現を追求する人たちがいます。佐賀県で300年以上続く和紙工房「名尾手すき和紙」の七代目、谷口弦氏は、家業を継承する一方でアーティストとしても活動しています。谷口氏の立体作品には、和紙の原理や歴史が凝縮されていて、その形態を変えながらも、和紙の本質ともいえる記憶や時間が表現されています。
一方、和紙から紡いだ糸で織る「紙布」に魅せられる人たちもいます。均質さ、薄さ、強さを適度に兼ね備えた和紙が不可欠で、その条件を満たす和紙は稀有な上、膨大な手間と時間を要するため、現在、紙布づくりの技術を継承する人はごくわずかです。それでもなお紙布づくりに打ち込む人の姿は、和紙の美しさが持つ力を物語ります。
和紙の需要が減少する現代においても、こうして人々の信念と創造力によって、その価値が更新され続けています。There are people who pursue new expression of Washi while inheriting traditional technique of making Washi. Gen Taniguchi, the seventh generation of “Naowashi,” a Washi workshop with over 300 years of history in Saga Prefecture, is also active as an artist alongside his responsibilities in the family business. The principles and history of Washi are embodied in his works. Even as they take on new forms, they continue to express memory and time that lie at the essence of Washi.
On the other hand, there are also people fascinated by Shifu, cloth woven from threads spun from Washi. Today, only a few people are engaged in making Shifu because suitable Washi is very rare, and the process requires considerable time and effort. Yet the dedication of those who continue to make Shifu reveals the power of Washi’s beauty.
Even in the present day, when demand for Washi is declining, its value is continually renewed through the conviction and creativity of those who work with it.
