Ever wondered about the journey of printing from ancient times to today? The Nissha Museum of Printing History is where that story unfolds.
Let’s step inside this remarkable museum. It is housed in Nissha Co. Ltd.’s main hall. This hall is a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property. The building dates back to 1906. It stands on land with a rich history. Emperors Uda and Murakami once lived here. Their hermitage Suzakuin was here over 1200 years ago.
Nissha Co. Ltd. acquired the building in 1948. They used it as their headquarters for many years. In 2009, the Nissha Museum of Printing History opened on the first floor. The Nissha Foundation now manages it.
Inside, you will find a treasure trove of printing materials. There are clay tablets with cuneiform from 4000 years ago. See the Hyakumanto-Mukujyoko Daranikyo. It is an ancient writing and pagoda from the Nara period. Originals like the Senefelder lithographic printing press are highlights. There is also a Heidelberg letterpress printing machine. A reproduction of the Gutenberg printing press is on display. You can even view a facsimile edition of the 42-line Bible.
The museum shows the building’s Meiji-era structure. Old Western-language typewriters are on display. Even pencil sharpeners are exhibited. Art books show national treasures. Gaze upon Japanese artworks in original colors. You can also view the entire Louvre collection.
The Nissha Museum of Printing History is more than just a museum. It is a journey through time. It shows how printing has evolved. The Nissha Foundation ensures that printing culture is preserved. They promote printing technology in Kyoto. Take a moment to appreciate the legacy of printing. It connects us to the past. It inspires innovation for the future.