Washi
is the traditional art of Japan.
Washi paper, also called
wagami
refers to all types of
Japanese Paper including traditional
handmade paper.
Washi paper is produced from the bark fibers of three shrubs (kozo,
gampi, and mitsumata) making up the washi makers basic raw materials.
All occur naturally in most parts of Japan. Washi paper can also be made
using a blend of fibers from bamboo, hemp, rice and wheat. The sheets
are tough but possess a warm and a soft texture. Washi is tougher than
paper made from wood pulp. Origami, Shodo, Ukiyoe are all produced using
washi.
Making washi is a highly labor-intensive craft. It involves a mix of
drudgery and developed skills. The techniques are largely
straightforward and uncomplicated. Yet, one person cannot perform every
aspect of making paper--it is a true community craft.
Making of Washi Paper
- Take the bark fibers of kozo, gampi or mitsumata.
- The fibers are cropped, stripped, bleached and boiled in lye to
remove the non fibrous materials.
- These fibers are finally washed, graded and pulped.
- Mucilage is added to the pulp to produce an emulsion in which
fibers are suspended.
- Each sheet requires several dips into a vat of stock.
- The sheets are then pressed to remove excess water and are
separated and brushed onto fine grained wooden boards to dry.
- The sheets are then gathered and cut to the required size.
- This makes a beautiful washi handmade paper.
Types
of Washi Paper
- Ganpishi- In the ancient time, it was called
Hishi. Ganpishi has a smooth, shiny surface and is used for
books and crafts.
- Kozogami- Kozogami is made from paper mulberry
and it is the most widely made type of washi. It has a toughness
closer to a cloth than a paper and does not weaken significantly
when treated to be water resistant.
- Mitsumatagami- Mitsumatagami has an ivory
colored, fine surface and is used for shodo as well as printing. It
was used to print paper money in Meiji period.
Applications of Washi Paper
- Washi paper is the material of the craftsman and architecture,
the tea master, the painter and calligrapher; paper screens.
- Washi, is one of the four materials- wood, earth, paper, reeds of
a traditional Japanese house.
- Different types of washi may be used for water color,
calligraphy, woodblock and linoleum cut printing, collage, book
binding and even jewelry and sculpture.
- The distinct colors and textures are also used to make business
cards, resumes, wallets, purses and photo layouts.
- A large number of paper are compatible with laser and offset
printing.
- Washi is also used to make various everyday goods like clothes,
interior goods and toys.
- It is also used to make sacred clothes of Shinto priest, a statue
of Buddha and a wreath for winners.
- Many traditional uses of the paper have endured: origami, kites,
doll and umbrella-making and unparalleled packaging.
- Today, its uses are limitless: paper jewellery to cover mats in
framing used as a background for photography and to develop
photographs on to cover walls and furniture to produce memorable
wedding invitations and for a host of graphic design and public
relations promotions.
