Japanese Handmade Paper

Hand made paper is a part of the Japanese culture & heritage. An ancient art of pride, craftsmanship, and creativity handmade paper making in Japan is more than 2,000 years old. "Washi" from the Japanese "wa", which means Japan, and "shi", which means paper, is a term used today to refer to Japanese handmade paper of any kind. Japanese Handmade Paper has always been used for a myriad of things all across the globe, from writing surface to an integral part of home construction in screens and windows. These papers are made by master craftsmen, using traditional tools and techniques, handed down through the generations in Japan.

The Past & Present of the Industry
Buddhist monks from Korea introduced paper to Japan, at the beginning of the seventh century, when they brought some manuscripts, which were made from the bark of the mulberry tree. From them this art spreaded swiftly all across the Japan and by 8th and 9th centuries there existed a guild created by the emperor that was known to have the finest paper makers in the country.

For long, Japan has been the world's leader when we talk about handmade papers, as the range is both unique and exotic. Though, Japan's paper making has got a long history, but, even today after many innovations and advancements, the paper is produced in much the same way as they were originally made.

The Japanese paper is in demand all across the world because of its usage in almost every conceivable use. Specific papers are made for painting, printmaking, calligraphy, lamps, room dividers, screens, clothing, fans, toys, wallets, packaging, and even floor coverings. However, in the recent times, Japan has seen great decline in the number of handmade paper (Washi) manufacturers and now many washi manufacturers are trying to find new ways to introduce and promote this art.

The Fabric Used
Papermakers in Japan utilize different plant material than the western countries. Kozo (mulberry), mitsumata, and gampi are the three fibers most often used because of their long fibers and the Japanese also employ the use of a glutinous substance called neri to add body and strength to their paper. Other fibers that are commonly used are called the Bast Fibers which consists of the phloem or inner bark of woody plants, flax, hemp, and jute.

Another individual trait to Washi is the addition of neri, a glutinous starch-like substance which restrains the seeping of the water. The combination of these fibers produces a quality paper with even the sheerest being able to withstand centuries of wear.

As a result of the decreasing number of quality papers being produced, handmade paper from Japan commands a premium price. Although many of the Japanese papers are beyond the pocketbook of the average crafter, some are so unique as to be well worth the price. Many traditional Japanese papers are also produced by several other nearby countries, most notably Thailand. These papers, though not of the quality of handmade Japanese papers, are still attractive and more reasonably priced.