Japanese Crepe-Paper Books with Arsenic-Containing Colors

Chirimen-bon, or Japanese crepe-paper books, gained international popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries and continue to attract interest today in antiquarian bookshops and libraries. However, it is not widely known that chirimen-bon often contain arsenic-based colorants. To protect library patrons and staff from arsenic poisoning, we are currently developing a database of old Japanese books that contain toxic substances. To enhance this database, we aim to collaborate with libraries worldwide, as chirimen-bon are found in libraries across the world, having diverse versions, each featuring unique coloring patterns. We invite you to join us in creating this database to foster a safer environment within libraries.

绉绸装帧本（chirimen-bon，又称日本绉纸书籍）于19世纪末至20世纪初享誉全球，时至今日仍在古旧书店与图书馆领域持续受到关注。然而鲜为人知的是，这类装帧本常含有砷基着色剂。为保护图书馆读者与工作人员免受砷中毒危害，我们目前正在构建一款收录含有毒物质的日本古旧书籍的数据库。鉴于绉绸装帧本遍布全球馆藏，且版本多样、各有独特的着色纹样，我们计划与全球各地的图书馆展开合作以完善该数据库。我们诚邀您携手共建此数据库，共同为图书馆营造更安全的环境。