What Is "Washi"?
Washi, sometimes called "wagami," is Japanese traditional paper. Its name has the opposite meaning of western paper which came to Japan at the beginnig of the Meiji era. In Japanese, " wa " means Japan and " shi " means paper. The long inner fibers of three plants are the primary components used as raw materials in making washi. In a technique unique to authenticm hand-made washi, special essences are then added into a liquid solution to make the plant base thicker. Washi is known for being the thinnest handmade paper in the world, but is also very strong, allowing the material to retain its beautiful shape over the course of time. The visible raw materials and hand of the craftsman contribute to the overall beauty of washi.
Raw Materials
As pictured in these images, the raw materials that make up washi are the long inner fibers of native, Japanese plants, such as Kozo, Mitsumata, and Gampi. Compared with western paper which is made from wood pulp or Chinese paper which mainly composed of bamboo, washi has some unique properties. Because only long fibers are used, the fibers are easy to angle and can therefore lend strength to the paper while keeping it thin. Washi also has a natural exquisite sheen and smooth texture. The price of washi is relatively high because productivity is low, therefore, it is mainly used for artistic purposes. It can also be used for restoration purposes, as it was recently in the case of Michelangelo's "David image." Today, Japanese , washi, is highly regarded worldwide.
KOZO
Kozo ia a plant from the mulberry family. It is cultivated throughout Japan. The fiber of KOZO has the appropriate length for making washi, along with thickness and strength. It is therefore considered to be the masculine element in washi paper. Kozo-paper is produced as the Echizen-washi and Tosa-paper, Mino-paper at many places, and this is representative of a making handmade washi.
MITSUMATA
Mitsumata is a plant of the dephne family. The fiber is soft and short, and is suitable for printing because it does not bleed when written or painted on. This plant is able to be cultivated. It is said that Mitsumata was first used for papermaking in the Edo era; comparatively later than other raw materials. Later, the ministry of Finance began to use it as raw materials to make bills.
GAMPI
Gampi is a plant from the fragrant daphne family. The fiber is short and thin, and has an exquisite sheen. It has an insect repellent effect and a a preservation power. Gampi takes a long time to grow and is also difficult to cultivate. Therfore, less Gampi is produce than Kozo-paper.
