Ozu
paper is cherished for its history of handmade warmth. The Ozu style of
paper making is the oldest, and during the Edo Era (1603-1867) it was
regarded as paper of the highest quality. This durable, pure white and
high quality handmade paper is still made by the unique layering method
which has existed since ancient times.
Ehime is the leading producer of ozu paper. People in Ehime Prefecture
are said to be gentle and easygoing, essentially satisfied with their
life, and conservative. Every sheet is individually made, so no sheet is
similar in terms of color or even texture. These traditional Japanese
papers has made a benchmark in the Japanese paper industry by producing
colored papers for chigiri-e pictures made from many small pieces of
torn paper.
Making of Ozu Paper
- Take fibers from any of the Japanese shrubs, gampi, mitsumata or
kozo.
- Wash the fibers and bleach them in sunlight.
- Remove the impurities and unbleached fibers and beat the
remaining fibers.
- Separate the bundle of fibers into single strands.
- Add the fibers to vat and using mold and deckle lift out sheets
of paper.
- Place these sheets on a stack and leave the stack to drain
overnight.
- Lift the sheets from the stack and the still moist sheets are
spread out on the angled stainless steel face of a steam drier,
which is triangular in section.
- When dried the sheets are removed, stacked and cut to the
roquired size.
Handmade Ozu Paper is especially famous for calligraphy and
has a unique texture. Many people love the paper as both its quality and
quantity are said to be top in Japan.
