noun
bound book; written work (bound, not a scroll)
Refers to a written work in bound form, as opposed to a scroll. Used historically for various types of books.
この草紙は江戸時代に作られたものです。
This bound book was made in the Edo period.
noun
kana text; work written entirely in kana
Specifically a text written using only kana, without kanji. Common in classical Japanese literature.
『枕草子』は平安時代の代表的な草紙です。
"The Pillow Book" is a representative kana text of the Heian period.
noun
graphic novel; illustrated storybook (12th–19th c.)
Refers to illustrated narrative works, often with pictures and text, produced between the 12th and 19th centuries. Precursor to modern manga.
この絵草紙は江戸時代の風俗を描いている。
This illustrated storybook depicts the customs of the Edo period.
noun
notebook; practice book; rough draft
Used for a notebook or exercise book for practicing kana, drawing, or making rough drafts. Sense 5 (rough draft) is closely related and often overlaps.
子供の頃、草紙に絵を描いて遊んだ。
When I was a child, I drew pictures in a notebook for fun.
彼は草紙に小説の下書きを書いている。
He is writing a rough draft of his novel in a notebook.
Rare variant; more commonly read as さっし.
The word 草紙 (そうし) originally referred to bound books made from recycled paper (草稿用紙), as opposed to scrolls. Over time, it came to denote various types of written works, including kana literature and illustrated storybooks.