Streamlife - A5 Leather Journal - Shiji

**Product Information**: Brand: Streamlife Product Name: A5 Leather Journal - Shiji (Historical Records) Size: A5 (148 * 210 mm) Paper: Eco-friendly paper, Tomoe River Paper 68 gsm Cover: Italian Cowhide Leather Function: Note-taking, Drawing Inner Pages: Grid Page Count: 60 pages / 120 sides Timeless: Undated notebook Binding: Thread-glued binding Notes: Suitable for fountain pens / gel pens Note 1: Handmade and measured, each piece is unique~ **Product Concept** The "Shiji" (Historical Records) draws inspiration from Sima Qian's ancient work, which chronicled nearly millennia of history from the Yellow Emperor to Emperor Wu of Han. It can be used to record official histories, imperial decrees, and the chronicles of ancient noble families. The Shiji was published in 90 BCE, a gap of 2114 years from our present day. The Shiji has its own history, praised and criticized by many throughout time. For us today, the greatest difference from ancient people is perhaps freedom. Every book has its origins; though their content may differ greatly, the common thread is that they are the culmination of someone's emotions and thoughts, recorded at a specific moment. Such books, regardless of whether their authors were famous, hold significance and remain history for people millennia from now. So, what do you wish to record? What do you want to tell future generations? What do we need to possess to write a book that stands the test of time? Driven by these thoughts, we created the Shiji and Shōki (Handy Notes) series. This is also how we differentiate between our larger and smaller notebooks. The A5 size, capable of holding more content and presented with a grander feel, we named "Shiji." The B6 size, with relatively less space for notes but much more portable, we named "Shōki." **Why Choose Handmade?** To imbue our products with a timeless quality, we selected cowhide leather and even applied edge paint to the edges of the leather and paper. Every material is carefully chosen. (For notes on cowhide leather, please scroll down.) Beyond the selection and design of materials and inner pages, there are many unseen efforts, such as choosing handmade craftsmanship. Machines can make manufacturing much easier for us, saving time and effort. However, there are many results that machines simply cannot achieve. Based on past unsatisfactory experiences and visits to various large factories, we found that even thread-binding has its limitations. We don't seek speed; we want to craft a product with care. Therefore, we strive to control the changes and processes of each material ourselves as much as possible. Perhaps this is why some wonder why our homepage is not updated frequently, or why our products seem expensive? It's a very realistic consideration XDDD Value is value; you get what you pay for. This is what we've always wanted consumers to feel. (Apologies for being so direct.) **What Streamlife Wants to Say:** To create products that transcend time and can be passed down, we must be exceedingly meticulous and strive our best to meet our standards. We encounter many challenges during the product development process, and we do our utmost to resolve them. While we cannot guarantee that every product will meet every customer's expectations, we remain open to feedback and committed to making improvements. Thank you to all who support us~~ For more information about Streamlife, please follow us on Instagram: streamlife0205 **Precautions**: 1. Please do not resell Streamlife products. 2. Keep away from fire sources / Do not ingest. 3. Each product is handmade; slight variations are normal. 4. Notebooks are the copyright of Streamlife. 5. Please do not repost images. **Notes on Cowhide Leather** 1. Leather is a natural material, just like our skin. It may have textures, scratches, growth lines, insect bite scars, etc. We insist on not covering these natural marks with chemical coatings, preserving the natural charm of the leather. 2. The color of natural leather may vary slightly under different lighting conditions. There will also be minor discrepancies between camera and computer screen displays. We use high-quality Hasselblad cameras for accurate color representation to minimize these differences. 3. It is normal for leather to get scratched during use, just as we might accidentally scratch our skin while itching. This is especially true for vegetable-tanned leather, where marks are more noticeable. However, with prolonged use, or by gently rubbing with the oils from your fingers, the marks may fade or even disappear. This process is what gives leather its character over time, making it more story-rich and smooth. 4. Leather can be regularly maintained with leather conditioner. Simply wipe away dust with a soft cloth, apply the conditioner, allow the leather to absorb the oil, and then wipe off any excess with a clean, soft cloth. Using leather conditioner offers many benefits, including smoothing out scratches, maintaining shine, and preventing moisture absorption or mold. For leather products used long-term, it is recommended to periodically condition the leather or frequently touch it to keep it moisturized. 5. Leather should not be exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can cause color to fade and lighten. In severe cases, the evaporation of oils and moisture can lead to cracking. 6. Leather should not frequently come into contact with water, as this can cause water stains or mold if left damp. If it accidentally gets wet, dry it immediately. If you plan to use leather products outdoors for extended periods, apply leather conditioner regularly to ensure the leather is protected. **Notes on Tomoe River Paper** 1. Tomoe River paper is a thin paper at 68 gsm. Papers below 70 gsm are considered thin and are more challenging to process than thicker papers, with a higher susceptibility to moisture. During the processing stage, we make every effort to prevent moisture issues. However, the paper may still change with environmental conditions and temperature. Therefore, minor, unnoticeable marks on the paper are normal and do not affect its usability. 2. Tomoe River paper is suitable for writing with fountain pens. The pen nib glides smoothly across the paper, so you don't need to worry about damaging your expensive nibs or tearing the paper. 3. Tomoe River paper has a certain capacity for holding ink, but it will still bleed if excessively wet. However, for normal use with fountain pens for drawing, it is perfectly fine. 4. Although Tomoe River paper is thin, it has minimal ghosting. Minimal ghosting does not mean completely invisible; it means the writing on the previous page does not interfere with writing on the current page. 5. If you prefer using gel pens over fountain pens, it's advisable to write with a light touch to prevent the ink from showing through to the next page. 6. Tomoe River paper excels in ink display and does not feather, making it an excellent choice for fountain pen enthusiasts. If you have any further questions, please feel free to add us on LINE or send us a private message on Pinkoi. https://youtu.be/w6c6jdl-0kk