Kozo
is a general name of the fiber from various types of mulberry plants
that is utilized to make paper. Kozo is a principal fiber used in most
Japanese papers and is known for its strength, flexibility and length.
Traditional kozo paper is naturally colored and made from 100% kozo
fiber. Kozo is a beautiful, artistic handmade paper from Japan.
Kozo paper has 4 deckle edges, are white, thin and acid free. It also
has smaller pores, which means it has less absorbency. Made from 100
percent kozo fibers, it is the most common variety of paper, as well as
the largest category of paper. The name goyu is sometimes used for the
heavier variety of kozo, which is less absorbent and gives a drier,
slightly mottled look with watercolors.
Types of Kozo Paper
- Hosho Paper- Hosho is a highly refined Kozo
paper noted for its thickness, strength and fluffiness.
- Mino Paper- This paper is made of a superior
grade of kozo with long fibers of uniformly excellent quality. All
Mino papers are especially good where strength is important.
- Hosokawa Ohban- Natural, 100% kozo fiber, acid
free, handmade paper made in Japan.
- Kizikishi- A very thin, long-fibered strong
paper with body and hard surface made of 100% natural kozo fiber.
- Sekishu Kozogami Mare- Soft and silky handmade
paper from Japan made of 100% natural kozo fiber.
- Sekishu Kozogami Turu- Soft and strong handmade
paper made from kozo fibers.
- Thin Uda- A lightweight handmade paper with
extremely soft touch, antique look and good opacity, made from kozo
fiber.
- Naga Uda- A strong handmade paper with natural
color made from kozo fibers.
- Tosa Tengugo- A lightweight and silky handmade
paper made by cooking kozo fibers in soda ash.
Applications of Kozo Paper
- Kozo paper is a versatile paper, useful for block printing,
etching, letterpress, silkscreening, hand lithography and chine
colle.
- It is widely used as art paper and for several decoratives.
- It is most commonly used as a writing paper for making wedding
invitations and other invitations for special occasions.
- Used for several crafting projects.
