Chirimen-bon (Crepe-paper Books)

Nichibunken houses a collection of Chirimen-bon, or crepe-paper books, that includes folk tales, classical poetry and calendars, some of which archived in this database.
Chirimen-bon (crepe-paper books) are created by printing on Japanese washi paper, which subsequently undergoes a wrinkling process and is bound according to traditional Japanese methods. The books were named Chirimen-bon due to their soft, tactile quality and texture, reminiscent of chirimen silk. Initially crafted as souvenirs for visitors to Japan during the Meiji era (1868–1912), these books played an important role in introducing Japanese culture to the world.