Washi, Traditional Japanese Paper

Washi paper (和紙) is one of Japan’s most important artistic products. Over 1,300 years of production, it has formed the backbone of many other Japanese art forms. In fact, washi paper is so ingrained in Japanese culture that there are literally cities built around washi paper making.

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As a word Washi (和紙) means ” Japanese paper ” (和 wa is the kanji normally used to designate “something Japanese” and 紙 kami means “paper”) This is commonly made from fibers from the bark of the kozo , the mitsumata bush (a plant native to Japan) or a deciduous shrub called a gampi tree . There are mainly two methods of making washi paper : Nagashi-suki or fiber flow papermaking and Tame-suki or fiber settling papermaking.

The origin of Washi paper dates back to the 2nd century BC, near Xian, China. A Buddhist priest from an ancient Korean kingdom, Goguryeo, is said to have introduced the paper-making technique to Japan in 610. In the second oldest book of classical Japanese history called Nihon Shoki 日本書紀 (sometimes translated as The Chronicles of Japan) there is a description of the introduction of washi paper to Japan.

Washi , as well as the techniques for its manufacture, were considered valuable, although at that time the paper did not have much durability. People have been improving these delicate papers through years of trial and error, using different types of vegetable fibers. Sensitivity and dexterity that are very unique to the Japanese made it possible to achieve the development of the best quality washi paper in the world.

At first it was used as paper to transcribe official documents and sutras. Towards the Heian period (9th-12th centuries) it spread among the nobles and its use expanded to the field of architecture as it was used in “shoji” (shōji) sliding doors. It also began to be used in parasols ( wagasa ) and the washi soon became a part of Japanese life, taking it as far as producing clothes made from the same fibers that washi is made from. This clothing is known as “washi clothing” 和紙服 and takes advantage of washi paper itself: very high breathability, lightweight, wrinkle resistance, water absorption and quick drying.

For the manufacture of washi , in general, first the tow or inner bark is wetted and boiled in hot water. Then, its fiber is hit with a rod so that the fibers separate without being destroyed, and then it is mixed with water and tororo-aoi , a type of glue. This mixture is poured into a Suki-bune or manufacturing pot to form the sheet of paper, which is stacked wet, the water squeezed out, and then left to dry on a board.

The advantages and points in favor of Washi paper are, for example, that:

• It has a unique and smooth texture. Its natural color of the material makes it easy to match if it is used as an ornament, for example, in lanterns or Japanese-style windows and doors known as ” shoji ” (shōji)
• In general, washi paper, although thin, is very resistant compared to other types of paper, especially those with Kozo pulp, the fiber that is tangled to make it more resistant. In terms of its resistance, a thicker washi paper is very difficult to tear as with other papers.
• Being a natural product, it is biodegradable and respects the environment.
• Being highly durable and hard-wearing, washi blends seamlessly into its surroundings as it helps keep humidity levels stable, making it ideal for humid weather.

There are many manufacturers of washi paper in Japan, although the oldest and most traditional are those made in Echizen, Mino (Gifu Prefecture), Inshu, Sekishu, Ozu and Tosa. Since the Nara period (710-794 AD), these manufacturers continue to produce traditional washi paper for decoration and daily use in Japan. As a Japanese handicraft, it is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Here we leave you a video to see the manufacturing process of this traditional Japanese art, Washi!