Campus News

Examining East Asian Book Technologies and Formats

May 9, 2018

Hillary Hempstead

Japanese books on display in an exhibit case
Japanese illustrated books from the Oberlin College Library Special Collections.
Photo credit: Bryan Rubin

Designed by library staff members Ed Vermue and Runxiao Zhu, an exhibit about East Asian book technologies and formats was recently showcased in the main library. The temporary installation featured an iPad kiosk with videos of woodblock carvers, paper makers, and Oberlin students demonstrating printing.

The East Asian objects displayed are housed in the library’s Special Collections and include books made of paper and silk, materials such as paper handmade by alumna Aimee Lee ’99, and various tools including brushes and inkstones. The exhibit also included books curated by students in the course East Asian Book Cultures (EAS 272), taught by Professor of Japanese Ann Sherif.

decorative ink set from China
“Five Treasures: decorative ink stick” that originated from China. Photo credit: Bryan Rubin
East Asian book technologies exhibit housed in cases
A view of the East Asian book technologies and formats exhibit in the main library, Mudd Center. Photo credit: Bryan Rubin
calligraphy pens
A set of calligraphy brushes housed in the Oberlin College Library Special Collections. Photo credit: Bryan Rubin

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