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Last updated 13/9/2025

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'Hyakunin joro shinasadame' (One Hundred Women Classified According to Their Rank) by Nishikawa Sukenobu was published in two volumes in 1723. Volume 1 (the upper) portrays women of all vocations and classes. Volume 2 (the lower) portrays courtesans of high and low degree. Prints from both volumes contains images of paperfolds of various kinds and it seems to me that this work offers a good overview of the practical uses of paperfolding in Japan at this time.

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From Volume 1

This print shows small folded packages resting on stands, probably of the Basic Packet variety.

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In this print the corners of the boxes on the upper shelf to the left are decorated with paperfolds that look like stylised butterflies.

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In this print the women on the right are folding wrappers and attaching them to folded packages or documents. The print also shows a gohei and sake bottles decorations.

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In this print the woman on the left has two paper packages of different designs lying on the floor in front of her.

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This print shows women making pleated paper folding fans.

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From Volume 2

In this print the woman on the left is holding a document folded into a pentagonal knot in her right hand.

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