Kibo no kaikei chobo (Accounting ledger of hope)

About

希望の会計帳簿

Kino no kaikei chobo

(Accounting ledger of hope)

2026

C.K.Itamura

Using the form and construction techniques of Japanese Meiji era (1868-1912) tabbed, hanging, accounting books as a point of departure, for Kaikei no kaikei chobo (Accounting ledger of hope), Itamura applied suminagashi dyeing techniques to delicate kozo paper to create vibrant, colorful pages and bound them to create this 440 page book structure to serve as a reminder that remembering hope during times of darkness is a valuable pursuit when acted upon.

The small portable wooden container makes it possible to easily carry the ledger to any quiet place where turning the pages one-by-one to contemplate colors emerging from beneath darkness will provide a focal point for personal reflection.

tatoe kage no naka ni ite mo

kokoro ni kizama reta kibo no kagayaki ippo

mae e fumidasu

even in shadow

the glow of hope remembered

take one step forward

– C.K.Itamura

Book

unryu, kozo, washi koyori, hemp thread, cotton rope, cotton paper, sumi ink

suminagashi dyed by C.K.Itamura at Minnesota Center for Book Arts during her Boundless Residency

concept, design, haiku, bookbinding, shodo by C.K.Itamura at Peach Farm Studio and In Cahoots Residency

book structure based on Japanese Meiji era (1868-1912) accounts books as a point of departure

Minneapolis, Minnesota and Sonoma County, California

Installation

wooden box made by C.K.Itamura

Exhibition

Thank you

Minnesota Center for Book Arts, Cathy Ryan and Doris Engibous, Macy Chadwick, In Cahoots Residency, Conrad Praetzel, Diana Jameson