Table of contents, folio, small book.
It gave the book a lineage and structure.
A folded piece of paper dedicated to Aldo.

"Festina lente" = "Hurry slowly."

This is an old Italian proverb. Aldo Pio Manuzio (1449-1515) used it as his company's printer's mark. Aldo was responsible for everything from publishing to printing, and made history with many innovations in bookmaking in medieval Europe.That nameEven if we don't know the name Aldo, we wouldn't be holding paperbacks in our hands today without his work.

In an era dominated by Christianity and strict censorship of speech, Aldo set up a factory in Venice and devoted himself to publishing translations of ancient Greek and Latin books. He also succeeded in turning the production of quality books into a business, developing new types and paper, creating new binding styles, and designing formats such as the placement of tables of contents and folios, all of which led to inexpensive publishing.

While books are still popular today, the rapid development of technology shows no sign of stopping, and now anyone can encounter any language or idea with just a tap. This is extremely convenient. It even seems inconvenient to live without it.

But I sincerely wonder if we are being swept away by some great, mysterious force, and that we can no longer slow down.

I tried weaving the paper in imitation of the Collected Works of Virgil (Publius Vergilius Maro), which Aldo first published in octavo in 1501. Slowly and precisely, hurry before the glue dries. Learn well and create well in the same time as Aldo's time. To ride the waves beautifully, like the "dolphin" that is the symbol of Aldo's trademark.


Text by Rivotorto Pieces


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<References>
◇ Shiono Nanami "Italian Legacy” (Shinchosha)
◇ Javier AzpeitiaPublishers in Venice” (Sakuhinsha)
◇ Alessandro Marzo Magno "The Life of Aldo Manuzio, the Man Who Created the First Book” (Kashiwa Shobo)
◇ Georges Jean, "The History of Writing" (Sogensha)


[Notes]
・When storing, avoid high temperatures, humidity, and direct sunlight.
・Since this product is made of natural materials, the texture and appearance may change depending on the environment in which it is placed. Please enjoy the changes over time.

[About the product]
-A handmade booklet explaining the work by the artist is included.
・Your artwork will be delivered in a paper carton that can be used to store it.
-The set includes a handmade paper magnetic frame by the artist.
-We also offer recommended frames selected by the artist.
If you wish,info@fragile-books.com Please contact us and we will provide you with separate information.

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Fragile Exhibition

Passage of Paper Textile
Fragments of Paper
2023.4.1 - 2023.4.30
→View the exhibition archive

Rivotorto Pieces will hold their first solo exhibition, "Passage of Paper Textile". The works are named after the two artists' ancestors whom they have admired since childhood. They feature people from all over the world, past and present, such as saints, picture book authors, and architects. Saint Francis of Assisi, Atsuko Suga, Leo Lionni and Tokujiro Kojima, Bernard of Chartres, Tintoretto, Dante, Giotto, Seiichi Shirai, Sotatsu Tawaraya, William Morris, Édouard Vuillard, Pierre Bonnard, Montaner, Michelangelo, Hermes, Diotima, Barbara Sansoni, Hergé, Hiroshi Yoshino, Rousseau, Frederick II, Simone Weil, Aldo Manuzio, Picasso, and the man from the Masdazil Cave. The messages that accompany each work, detailing encounters with each person, are also quite interesting.