Japanese

Washi Japanese Paper

Washi literally means Japanese Paper (WA - Japanese and SHI - Paper).
Paper making began in Japan in the late 6th century following its introduction from China. Japanese paper very quickly developed its own style which has remained its hallmark.

Much Japanese paper is now machine made but it remains true to its traditional hand-crafted roots. Most Washi papers are made from traditional plants like Kozo, Gampi and Mitsumata, all of which are now commercially farmed. The inclusion of cotton fibres, coloured pieces and metal foils make Washi papers some of the most distinctive and creative papers ever made.

Yuzen Hand Printed Japanese Paper

The name Yuzen is taken from Yuzen Miyazaki who, in the 17th century, devised a hand painting technique using a rice paste as a mask to paint and print complex, highly coloured, traditional designs on to paper and fabric.

Today, Yuzen papers still draw their design influences from the complex and colourful fabric prints used to make kimonos.
Printed one colour at a time, Yuzen papers are now only made by a small handful of traditional wood block printers in Kyoto, Tokyo and Osaka.
Originally made for their decorative and aesthetic qualities, Yuzen papers are perfect for all kinds of paper crafts.

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