Latest news with #Intangible
Yomiuri Shimbun
08-05-2025
- General
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Japan's Washi Paper Used to Mend Historical Documents at U.S. National Archives, Overseas Museums
The Yomiuri Shimbun Yoonjoo Strumfels, a conservator at the National Archives, uses washi paper to repair a document in College Park, Md. WASHINGTON — The U.S. National Archives in Washington is making good use of traditional Japanese washi paper to repair historical documents. Washi is light, strong, water-resistant and endowed with a beautiful texture. Since washi can last more than 1,000 years if kept correctly, it is highly appreciated among those in charge of preserving international documents. The National Archives, which was established in 1934, houses as many as 13.5 billion pages of documents, including the Declaration of Independence and the original document of the Constitution of the United States. There are records that Japanese paper has been used to protect documents since the early 20th century. In the 1980s, washi was already an indispensable material in the field of preserving and mending documents. The craft of washi is inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list and utilized to repair cultural properties at institutions throughout the world, such as the Louvre Museum and the British Museum. Washi is used to repair ancient documents at the Central State Historical Archives of Ukraine as well. The value of washi is also attracting attention from the viewpoint of art. 'Washi excels in durability, which is proven by history on a timescale in millenniums,' said New York-based artist Hiroshi Senju. '[Washi] is more than just a culture. It is also recognized for its value as a civilization.' Increased value of paper originals The U.S. National Archives in Washington is proceeding with a large-scale project to digitize about 500 million pages of documents and make them public online by 2026. Yet the institution also regards the preservation of the originals as important as well. Japanese washi is highly valued for this purpose. The Yomiuri Shimbun Yoonjoo Strumfels, a conservator at the National Archives, uses washi paper to repair a document in College Park, Md. According to the National Archives, documents were not scanned in color in the early days of the digitization project. Therefore, the documents were digitized in black and white, without color information even if some text or seals were in color. There are concerns about the risk of blackouts and damage to digital files as well, so washi seems to give conservators peace of mind because it makes them feel assured that they can go back to paper anytime. Yoonjoo Strumfels, a conservator at the National Archives, said that washi is essential to their preservation work because properly made washi can be used for a long time. Washi is characteristically less prone to degradation than other paper and also relatively resistant to environmental changes. Such traits make washi highly trusted for the conservation of documents. Strumfels repaired a document that George Washington, the first U.S. president, wrote to the Congress by removing a silk cloth adhered for reinforcement and attaching a very thin piece of washi on the damaged area. The washi that was attached did not do any damage to the letters on the document and looked naturally blended to the point it was almost invisible, she said. Of the different types of washi the National Archives utilizes for conservation, washi made from the kozo paper mulberry is the most commonly used because it has long fibers and excels in flexibility and strength. Washi made from the mitsumata shrub in the daphne family is suited to repair delicate items, such as photos, and washi made from the ganpi shrub of the daphne family has a pearly sheen that makes the paper preferred for occasions when the appearance of materials on display takes on importance. Apparently, the glue used at the National Archives to apply washi is made inside the facility using starch powder imported from Japan. 'While digitization is proceeding further, the degradation of data storage media and the demise of reproduction equipment are creating the problem that people cannot extract the contents from them,' Senju said. 'When that happens, people go back to paper because they can read it without any equipment.' Senju then stressed the significance of washi as a material that brings human memories to the future. 'Since this is the digital age, the multifaceted charm of washi is being rediscovered,' he said.
Al Etihad
11-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
DCT Abu Dhabi announces cultural events for Ramadan 2025
7 Mar 2025 12:54 ABU DHABI (WAM)The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has unveiled a month-long programme of cultural events, activities, and workshops for Ramadan 2025, offering residents and visitors a chance to celebrate the traditions and spirit of the holy part of its commitment to preserving and promoting Abu Dhabi's cultural heritage while fostering creativity and community engagement, DCT Abu Dhabi has curated a diverse programme that highlights the emirate's traditions, arts, literature, and culinary heritage. Whether through immersive storytelling, thought-provoking discussions, or hands-on workshops, these events enable visitors to connect with the essence of Ramadan in meaningful and memorable the heritage-focused events, Al Ain Oasis will host Ramadan's Harees every Friday, reviving the tradition of preparing and distributing Harees, a staple Emirati dish. Visitors can learn about its cultural significance and preparation methods while enjoying this dish, which was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage in Before Suhoor at Bait Mohammed bin Khalifa will offer a blend of cultural entertainment and interactive experiences every weekend until 15th March. The evenings will feature themed nights showcasing Emirati, Syrian, Pakistani, and Iraqi music and dance, as well as a range of traditional games such as chess and Al Jahili Fort, the Traditional Games Championships from 12th to 15th March will celebrate Emirati heritage through individual and group games, public challenges, and educational workshops, with prizes for competition Al Dhafra, Ramadan at Al Dhafra Fort on 11th and 12th March will bring together the community for iftar gatherings, panel discussions, children's activities, and a contest highlighting traditional Emirati Ramadan Nights at Heritage Village, running from 14th to 21st March, will provide a deep dive into UAE heritage through interactive entertainment, workshops, and culinary addition to heritage activities, the programme features several community events aimed at fostering togetherness. Ramadan at Al Hosn, from 8th to 23rd March, will offer a nostalgic glimpse into Abu Dhabi's past with Majalis Ramadan gatherings, retail stalls, workshops, and entertainment suitable for all ages.A special session at the Cultural Foundation on 8th March will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Salon Al Multaqa literary platform, featuring a discussion with Nujoom Al-Ghanem and Asma 15th March, The Prophetic Etiquette discussion at Zayed Central Library will explore etiquette values from the Prophet's biography, led by author Dr. Ghosna Al-Amri in an exclusive women's panel discussion, The Language of the Qur'an and Early Arab Beliefs, will take place at the Cultural Foundation on 20th March, with Dr. Nizar Qublan and Reem Al-Kamali examining the linguistic and philosophical aspects of the Qur' those looking for a lively and interactive experience, Ramadan Arcade at Manarat Al Saadiyat will return from 15th to 25th March. This modern community gathering will blend arcade and board games, live performances, art installations, and creative and storytelling will also feature in the Ramadan programme, including Al Ain in the Memory of its People on 14th March at ZOI Café, celebrating World Poetry Day with Mohammed Al-Neyadi, Al-Hath Al-Kuwaiti, and Sheikha Ramadan Islamic Philosophy Talks at Louvre Abu Dhabi on 8th and 15th March will explore the influence of Islamic thought on global narratives. Held in collaboration with NYU Abu Dhabi Institute, these discussions will be introduced by traditional Hakawati storytelling performances, reviving the oral heritage of the Islamic the literary session with author Dr. Omar Al Amiri, hosted by MAKTABA on 13th March, will explore his journey as a writer and highlight the pivotal role of reading in shaping his career as a short story author and workshops will further enhance the Ramadan experience. Suhour wa Fanoon, a series of artist-led workshops by Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, will encourage artistic exploration and 13th March, artist Khalid Al Banna will lead a monoprinting workshop at the Cultural Foundation, where participants can experiment with layering colours and textures to create unique 18th March, calligraphy artist Diaa Allam will guide a session on abstract Arabic calligraphy, allowing participants to explore expressive lettering styles. Meanwhile, on 20th March, artist Asma Belhamar will conduct a workshop on abstract architectural drawing, combining structured techniques with freehand expression to explore the relationship between space and form.
Japan Times
04-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Japan Times
Japan to again propose calligraphy for UNESCO heritage list
A panel of experts under Japan's Cultural Affairs Agency on Tuesday selected Japanese calligraphy again as a candidate for UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. The government is expected to submit the fresh proposal to UNESCO by the end of the month. The U.N. agency's intergovernmental committee will decide whether to add shodō to the heritage list at a meeting around winter 2026. The government had proposed adding shodō to the list in March last year, but UNESCO postponed a review of the proposal. According to the Cultural Affairs Agency, shodō is defined as the act of writing kanji and kana characters using traditional brushstrokes and techniques. | Jiji According to the Cultural Affairs Agency, shodō is defined as the act of writing kanji and kana characters using traditional brushstrokes and techniques. It is a social custom in Japan, including being performed for signatures on occasions such as weddings and funerals. The Council for Cultural Affairs judged that shodō is suitable for informing the world about the diversity and depth of Japanese culture. On the UNESCO list, there are currently 23 items from Japan, including kabuki traditional plays and washoku Japanese cuisine. Most recently, traditional sake brewing was added last December.
