Introduction

What is washi?

History of washi

Other uses of washi

Types of Washi paper

Durability

Traditional handmade Japanese paper is collectively known as "washi". Washi comes from 'wameaning Japanese and shi meaning paper

It has an understated translucency and subtly irregular texture, which is pleasant to the touch.

First of all, they have to harvest the plants

Then the whitish inner fibers are boiled, and all bits of bark and the debris carefully screened.

This mixture is then shaken to give it a homogeneous texture

This shaking and scooping process, nagashisuki, is repeated many times until the layer of paper-to-be has reached the required thickness.

The wet sheet is peeled off, and after a number have been produced, transferred to a special board to be stretched and dried

Washi is commonly made using fibers from the bark of the gampi tree, the mitsumata shrub (Edgeworthia papyrifera), or the paper mulberry.

Washi is decorated in various ways; some applied to the finished paper, but others created during the production process.

Washi was also used to make various everyday goods like clothes, household goods

"Washi" is the term for the traditional Japanese paper made from local fiber and intricately hand-crafted.

First, we stir the pulp water mixture and then scoop the liquid on to the bamboo screens.

Smooth to create desirable thickness, and then pour out excess liquid.

Turn over and press to prepare for drying process.

Washi is made using fibers from the gampi tree, the mitsumata shrub, or the paper mulberry (kozo) bush.

The sheets are slowly compressed with a hydraulic jack for dehydration.

This drainage process must be done slowly in order to avoid distressing the material.

As a Japanese craft, Washi is registered as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

Sheets of compressed wet paper are taken off sheet by sheet and placed on iron or wooden boards.

Washi is used in many Japanese traditional arts including Origami and Shinto rituals.

Opening Remarks

The History of Washi Paper

Hanging Sail

Sculpting with washi paper

Environmental change and climate change

Transforming paper fibers

Kyokushi

Insect Nibbling

Question: Can you speak more about the ways that the artists in the exhibition use washi in their work?

Duobu screens

Introduction

Japanese Paper or Rice Paper?

My favorite Japanese Papers

Japanese Paper Techniques

Japanese Paper in the Art Journal

Join me Next Week

Butterfly

Hat

Paper Crane

Hyokushi Cuts Paper into a Precise Rectangle

Basic Techniques

Reinforcing Tapes

Backing Paper

Silk Patches

Backing Layer

Pounding

The Assembling

Applying a False Margin

Toning

Boiling of the Kozo plant until softened

Separation of the fibers

Formation of the shece

Squeezing Airing and Drying

International exchanges through Washi