Paper Samples

The collection contains Japanese paper sample books that were created by Aiko’s Art Materials Import, Inc. Each sheet is identified with its name, product number and the paper size. Although the sample books are undated, the covers include the store’s address which roughly indicates the time period in which they were assembled. The vast majority of the sample books were printed and collated in Japan. The collection includes inventory and price lists that were continually updated to reflect the current stock (ca. 1950s-1990s) and promotional material - such as informational sheets about the products and supplies sold within the store. Also present are magazine and newspaper articles related to the store (ca. 1984-2002).