Posted by John Fiorillo on December 19, 1998 at 01:17:05:
In Reply to: Ehon Preservation posted by In Search of....Chitsu on December 18, 1998 at 00:37:45:
: Hello to all,
: I've read a lot about the preservation of Japanese prints, but much less on the preservation of ehon. I'm now keeping mine in manila envelopes in boxes to keep the little wormies away. But I don't think is ideal (the books are not kept flat, and I'm worried about acid in the envelopes). Does anyone out there have any better ideas? Alternately does anyone know where I can find someone who sells chitsu, those hard covers for traditional Japanese books?
:
Response from JF:
The best way might be to store your ehonflat in archival-quality storage boxes. There are several types over a wide range of prices. Archival "portfolio" boxes are often used by museums, dealers, and collectors. They are lined with acid-free paper and are made of rigid boards covered in fabric, and they open in what is called a "clam-shell" design, that is, one side (the "top") folding inside the other. They do not have clasps, locks, or clips. They are typically about 2" deep and come in sizes from 8x10 to 16x20, maybe larger. Unfortunately they can be expensive. Then there are similarly designed and constructed storage boxes with latches on the outside to keep the cover closed. They are lined with acid-free card stock. They also come in designs with handles for easier carrying. Next there are less expensive print storage boxes with drop front access that are made of pH neutral corrugated board. Some styles come with metal corners to reinforce the box.
Obviously the more you spend the better the box.
Some collectors store their ehonin plastic sleeves or bags, but you must be very careful here because some plastics (like PVC or acetates) are notinert and therefore degrade the contents with chemical contaminants. Polyester (Mylar D) is the most inert, but it is quite rigid with sharp edges, so you could inadvertently cut or tear your prints. Polypropylene comes in several thicknesses, is chemically inert, and is supposedly safe.
Several of these boxes and plastic sleeves can be found online at
http://www.lightimpressionsdirect.com
I think the trick is to make certain that you store your works of art in archival (=acid-free, pH neutral) materials, and that you store your ehonflat so they do not develop excessive curl. By all means get your ehonout of those manila envelopes – the acids and adhesive resins will eventually cause damage!!!
I do not know of a source for chitsu. Perhaps you can search online for a vendor specializing in handmade Japanese paper products. Just make certain you find the real thing made with Japanese papers that are neutral pH.