JAPANESE WASHI PAPER
Abstract:
Washi paper making was originally created in 105 AD by a Chinese man. It was not brought to Japan until 610 AD where the art was maintained and preserved. The process of making traditional Washi paper is broken down into 22 elaborate steps. It starts with the cultivation of 3 raw materials that originate in Japan. The break down of materials that is constantly hand washed by people of Misumi Town in Japan. This technique was recognized under the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage in 1969. Described as strong yet soft, flexible and translucent; these beautiful hand-crafted papers are used to decorate walls, as book covers and sleeves, paper jewelry and backgrounds for photography.
HISTORY
Washi paper is also referred to as Sekishu Washi because it originated in the Sekishu region. This region is now known as Iwani- where the paper was first produced. This handmade art has been preserved in this same area for over 1,300 years. This special paper became more well known near the end of the Edo period because it was used in merchant account books.
Washi has been made with the same raw material that are also cultivated in the same Sekishu Region. Raw materials include Kozo, Mitsumata, and Gampi shrubs. Washi is well known as the strongest paper produced in Japan. The process of making Washi is quite extensive and is completely by hand.
INTANGIBLE CULTURE
UNESCO
“Washi craftsmanship of traditional Japanese hand-made paper” was originally recognized under the UNESCO intangible cultural heritage in 1969. The practice was later re-registered in 2014. “Intangible cultural heritage” is defined as the practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills that communities, groups or individuals recognize as a part of their cultural heritage.
Keeping this tradition around is important for the preserving of a large community. This tradition has granted many community members employment through crop cultivation, training of the process, and the creation of new products. Not only is this paper creating jobs but connecting a community. This tradition has been passed down from generation to generation through the process of teaching young generations through demonstration and hands on participation. Because Washi paper making is so extensive, different people complete different steps within the process. Without one another this process takes much longer to complete.
HOW ITS MADE
Harvest Kozo Shrubs: This is the primary material for the washi paper. It is cut into stalks of equal length and bundled
Steam the Kozo: The budles are steamed then doused in water to help strip the 3 layers of bark
Washing the Bark: After the layers are stripped the innermost/white bark is placed in shallow waters of a river to wash away the impurities. This must be done in direct sunlight
Cook the White Kozo Bark: The bark is boiled in a large tub for 2 hours in an alkali solution
Dark Spot Removal: The white bark is then placed in a in a bamboo basket floating in water and the dark spots are removed by hand
Beating: The Kozo fibers are beaten with a wooden mallet on top of a stone slab. (The Beating of the fibers is done in a loud and rhythmic manner. This is important in maintaining moral while making the paper.
Formation: Now that the Kozo is in a pulp like state it is mixed with Neri and water. The mixture is moved back and forth. When the fiber is set the process is repeated until desired thickness is achieved.
The sheets are stacked and left to drain over night
Drying: Papers are separated one by one and placed on a drying board and set out in the sun and wind to dry
Finishing: The new papers are held to the light and inspected. They are then classified by thickness and color.
WHERE IS WASHI
Washi hand-crafted papers are used to decorate walls, as book covers and sleeves, paper jewelry and backgrounds for photography.