Chiri Paper

Chiri is a classic Japanese paper style made from Kozo pulp. Chiri paper also called chirigami is a handmade paper from long kozo fibers with inclusions pieces of mulberry bark. It is commonly referred to as mulberry paper. In Japan, it is considerd to be a literally 'rubbish paper', but it is not meant to indicate that it is an inferior paper. It is a decorative kozo paper with added bits of dark outer bark. The bark is added to the prepared kozo pulp just prior to the formation process.

Chiri paper is a thin, light weight and highly textured handmade paper. It is strong and flexibles and comes in a variety of beautiful colors. It can be either tissue thin or thick and embossed. Chiri is often combined and mixed with other plant fibers to produce interesting textures.

Chiri paper is usually imported from Japan and Thailand. It reflects the tradition of Japan in all its various forms.

Thai Chiri Paper
A thin, lightweight colored base sheets heavily speckled with small bark inclusions. They are available in seven colors and two natural deckles.

Chiri Unryu
Chiri unryu does not have long swirling fibers instead it has small bits of bark particles. This does not affect the texture it's quite smooth and very thin.

Making of Chiri Paper

• Take the inner bark of mulberry tree and bamboo fibers.
• Mix them with water and pounded with wooden tool.
• Pour the mixture onto a flat piece of coarsely woven cloth.
• Allow the water to drain and leave the remaing to dry.
• This makes a chiri paper.
• Colors can be added using natural or manmade dyes.

Applications of Chiri Paper

• Chiri paper is great for lampshades, book art, collages, invitations and greeting cards.
• It is a staple paper for any artist's paper collection.
• It is a favorite for calligrapy, watercolor, sumi, sketching, and decorative purposes.
• It has a range of uses including hand lithography, chine colle, block printing, letterpress printing, repair & restoration, and eastern brush painting.