In
the 17th century, Haigwara Kiuemon a resident of a small village in
Uchiyama district in Japan went to learn paper making in Mino. He came
back and flourished the craft of papermanking in this area where heavy
snowfalls have contributed to the technique of making a fine handmade
paper. This paper was called
Uchiyama paper.
Making of uchiyama paper was established in Iiyama and it was
considered to be a side business for farmers and it continued to be so
for most people today. Paper making is considered to be a perfect and
sensible way of making extra income in this deep snow country in the
months when there is no way to engage in farming.
The distinctive and appreciable characteristic of uchiyama paper is its
strength which makes it specially suitable for paper screens. This
strength is derived from the long kozo fibers. These fibers are taken
from the slower growing cold climate mulberry plant and snow is used to
bleach the fibers. This paper is also durable, can hold moisture and
does not discolor in sunlight. Handmade Uchiyama Paper has additionally lent its
grace to Japanese life as the paper for shoji screens.
Applications of Uchiyama Paper
- Uchiyama paper is widely used for the translucent paper screens
found in traditional Japanese houses.
- Highly regarded as a calligraphy paper.
- Much of the paper is used by local authorities up and down the
country for documents.
