Artists' book / the Kojiki or records of ancient matters, -the story of ancient Japan-

The “Kojiki” is Japan’s oldest surviving written work completed in the early 8th century. It is a book written in three volumes covering the mythology and the establishment of the nation of Japan. The dramatic stories of the myths are continually shared from generation to generation and live on today in Japan. I created an artists’ book using the beginning parts of those stories, “The origin of the islands of Japan” and “Izanagi(God) and Izanami(Goddess)” as a picture book. The images and texts were letterpress printed on my handmade paper that was dyed with natural dye. Every detail of this artists’ book is designed to transport the viewer into the world of myths that are spectacular, exotic, mysterious and sometimes comical. I hope viewers will enjoy my representation of a 1,300 year old Japanese classic treasure, not only through the narrative, but also through my imagery and material choices.