-Washi-

English Definition:
Japanese handmade paper

Bark fibers of three types of Japanese paper shrubs, "gampi," "kozo" (mulberry,) and "mitsumata" are the basic raw materials used to make washi, Japanese handmade paper. All three shrubs grow naturally across much of Japan. The bark is cropped, stripped, bleached, boiled in lye to remove non-fibrous materials, washed graded and pulped. A mucilage, such as "arrowroot" or "ajisai" is added to bind the fibers. Finally, the pulp is pressed, brushed onto boards to dry and then cut to size to produce the final washi.

Click here to see Washi made by the master craftswoman, Tomi-san.