This project is funded by the St. Olaf Collaborative Undergraduate Research and Inquiry (CURI) program. CURI provides opportunities for St. Olaf students from all academic disciplines to gain an in-depth understanding of a particular subject through working closely with a St. Olaf faculty member in a research framework.
We are grateful to work under the guidance of Distinctive Collections Engagement Librarian Jillian Sparks. This project would not have been possible without her help.
We have received generous technical assistance from Ben Gottfried, Sara Lynnore, and Anders Nienstaedt.
We also thank the Colorado Antiquarian Book Seminar (CABS) for providing our students with intensive, hands-on instruction regarding the antiquarian book trade in Summer 2024.
Prof. Christina M. Spiker
Primary Investigator (PI)
Christina M. Spiker is an assistant professor of art history and Asian studies at St. Olaf College. She specializes in modern Japanese visual culture of the Meiji era. She has long held a research interest in the relationship between text and art. She began working on crepe-paper books in 2019 at St. Catherine University before picking up this work at St. Olaf College. She is currently working on a publication about crepe-paper books and is the web designer for this virtual exhibition.
Anika James '25
Research Assistant
Anika James ’25 is a double major in Art History and Studio Art. While contributing to the general investigation of crepe-paper books, she has spearheaded the development of timeline project for this virtual exhibition focusing on Hasegawa’s various publishing activities. She has also reconstructed the momidai device for making crepe paper. Anika worked with Laura to develop “Glimpses of Whimsy,” a case display for Rolvaag Memorial Library in 2024. Anika is a graduate of the Colorado Antiquarian Books Seminar (CABS) in Summer 2024.
Laura Smith '25
Research Assistant
Laura Smith ’25 is a triple major in Art History, Ancient Studies, and Latin. While contributing to the general investigation of crepe-paper books, she developed a special interest in the network of people involved in crepe-paper books. She has been in charge of the Meiji Social Network. Laura worked with Anika to develop a case display for Rolvaag Memorial Library in 2024. Laura is a graduate of the Colorado Antiquarian Books Seminar (CABS) in Summer 2024.