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Washi: Japanese handmade paper
A very informative book on washi is A Handbook on the Art of
Washi: A Collection of Questions and Answers. It's copyrighted by the
All Japan Handmade Washi Association (the name seems a little redundant to
me), of which Mr. Chosuke Taki is the chairman. Unfortunately, there is no
ISBN, but it is published Wagami-do K.K. ("K.K." is the equivalent of
"Inc." in Japan). Their contact information is as follows:
Mr. Shohei Asano
Wagami-do
6-33-4 Hakusan Bunkyo-ku,
Tokyo 112
JAPAN
Tel: 03-3813-7117
Fax: 03-3813-8299
I'm sure that, given this info, any Japanese bookstore could get a copy
of this book for you. Hiromi Paper International
has told me that they carry this book.
The questions asked, and answered, in this book cover descriptions of
washi ("The Secret of Its Beauty"), explanations of
washi-making techniques ("Handmaking in Practice, Form and Color"),
its history ("Origin and Present Situation"), its applicability ("Its
Various Uses"), and its regional differences ("Production Areas and
Characteristics"). Here, I'm going to reproduce the glossary of the book
so that you will understand better what all of these washi terms mean, and
therefore will be able to use them to discuss washi in an
intelligent manner.
Note that I've taken the liberty of correcting some of the grammatical
and spelling mistakes made in translation from the Japanese.
Washi Glossary
General Terms
- Tesuki Washi
- Handmade Japanese paper ["real" washi --JW].
- Kikaizuki Washi
- Machine-made Japanese paper.
- Yoshi
- Machine-made Western paper.
Main Raw Materials for Washi
- Kozo
- Broussoneitia kazinoki Sieb., family Moraceae. A general term for a variety of
papermaking mulberries that are characterized by strong, sinewy, and long fibres.
- Mitsumata
- Edgeworthia papyrifera Sieb. et Zucc., family Thymelaeaceae. Characterized by
fine-grained, soft, pliant, and lustrous fibres.
- Gampi
- Diplomorpha sikokiana Nakai, family Thymelaeaceae. Harvested February to May
when water content is high. Characterized by fine and glossy fibre.
- Kurara
- Sophora augustiflora Sieb. et Zucc. Perennial herbaceous plant of the lupinus family. Fibre
taken from the bark of the stems.
- Asa
- Cannabis sativa L. Hemp. [Not that commonly used, so don’t start smoking your
washi to get high! --JW]
Mucilages
[Mucilages are used to help keep the paper fibres evenly
suspended in the water during papermaking. --JW]
- Neri
- General term for the various kinds of vegetable mucilage used in washi, such as that
extracted from the tororo-aoi root.
- Tororo-aoi
- Hibiscus manihot L. Medic. Annual herbaceous plant of the genus Abelmoschus of
the Malvaceae family. A relative of okra, its roots are harvested between November and early
December and crushed to make neri mucilage.
- Nori-utsugi
- Hydrangea paniculata Sieb. A deciduous tree of the Saxifragaceae family that grows
to a height of 6-10 feet. The Inner bark is used to make neri mucilage.
Washi-producing Methods
- Tamezuki
- "Accumulation papermaking". Literally, "fibre settling papermaking method". Tame means
"to save", "to amass," or "to accumulate", and, in that sense, "to settle". Suki or zuki
means the action to make paper. The ancient, original technique of scooping fibres in which sheets are
formed quickly without the use of mucilage by allowing the pulp stock to drain through the screen. In
other words, tamezuki is done by putting the right amount of material into the mold and allowing
the solution to filtre through while spreading it evenly.
- Nagashizuki
- "Discharge papermaking". Literally, "fibre flow papermaking method". Nagasu is the verb
meaning "to let flow or run". This papermaking method, peculiar to Japan, is characterized by ejecting
excess pulp stock from the mold made possible by the use of neri. In other words,
nagashizuki is done by repeatedly filling the mold and keeping the solution moving until one
tosses out the final amount.
Tools Used To Make Washi
- Keta
- Wooden frame that holds the screen.
- Su
- Flexible screen, usually bamboo but sometimes miscanthus, that acts as a sieve or strainer
upon which the paper sheet is formed.
- Sugeta
- Papermaking mold: a combination of su (screen) and keta (frame).
- Sha
- Fine screen, usually silk gauze. Placed on top of a su to produce fine, thin paper.
- Suku
- To make paper. As a prefix, the same character is read as suki, and, as a suffix, it is read as
-zuki.
Other Special Words
- Dosa
- Sizing solution made from animal glue and alum.
- Shito
- Literally, "paper bed or floor". A stack of wet sheets of washi.
- Sukashi
- Watermark.
- Gofun
- Chinese white or lime white. Incinerated shell powder.
- Kurokawa
- "Black bark" which has not been cleaned of its outer black layer.
- Shirokawa
- "White bark". The inner bark after being cleaned of its outer black layer.
Washi Products
- Danshi
- Literally, "sandlewood paper". Originated in the Nara period (AD 710-794) and
still used as high grade wrapping paper, or for ceremonial rites. This is a kozo paper, thick,
elegant, and white, which ladies of the court preferred for writing poems during the Heian period
(AD 794-1192). It was also called michinoikugami which is synonymous with danshi. The
present danshi is furrowed or creped, but this is a comparatively new development.
- Fudagami
- Literally, "tag paper". Thick, water-resistant tag paper is used for labeling fabrics during dyeing. It
is coated with persimmon tannin to make it waterproof.
- Fusumagami
- Thick paper used for the surface of fusuma (sliding panels).
- Gasenshi
- Originally a calligraphy writing and India ink drawing paper imported from China during the
Edo period (1603-1867). There were attempts to make Chinese-style gasenshi which is
characterized by subtle blurring of ink and a smooth brush touch. In mitsumata paper-producing
areas, bamboo, straw, and wood pulp were mixed to make such papers as inshu gasenshi (from
Tottori) and koshu gasenshi (from Yamanashi). These were called wagasenshi (the
wa-prefix refers to things Japanese) in contrast to the imported gasenshi. The standard
size is 72.7 × 136.4 cm.
- Hakuaishi
- Literally, "interleaf paper for foil". A 100% mitsumata paper that is used for packaging and
preserving gold and silver foil.
- Hakuuchishi
- Literally, "foil-beating paper". When beating out gold or silver foil, a small piece of metal is placed
between sheets of hakuuchishi and beaten. A special clay is used in this gampi paper.
Nashio (Hyogo) has been famous for its production from ancient times. It is also made in Kanazawa
(Ishikawa).
- Hanshi
- "Half-size sheet", originally half the size of old sugihaarashi (25 × 35 cm). A paper of
many uses as it is durable, thin, light, and inexpensive. used for calligraphy writing, account books, etc.
Sekishu (from Shimane) and suruga (from Shizuoka) hanshi have been famous
since ancient times. Now, mozo (imitation) and kairyo (improved) hanshi made
from wood pulp and a mixture of other materials are produced. Standard sizes are 24–26 × 32.5–35 cm.
- Hodomurashi
- The name is derived from the locality of production in Tochigi where papermakers still exist. The
Karasuyama clan encouraged production of this kozo paper and, together with the
nishinouchishi produced by the neighbouring Mito clan, it gained a high reputation. It is a little
thicker than nishinouchishi and is an old style tamezuki paper (but is formed using
neri). Used for printing books.
- Hoshoshi
- A high grade kozo paper. The original purpose of this paper was for secretaries or
government authorities to write the oral commands of the Shogun in his name for him to sign and to affix
his official seal. In the middle ages, this paper originated in Echizen (Fukui) and, especially in the
Edo period (1603-1867), it was extensively used as official document paper. The reputation of
Echizen Hosho is high and it currently remains in use as wood-block print paper. The standard size
is 39.4 × 53 cm.
- Hosokawashi
- A catch-all name for kozo washi produced in Ogawa-cho, Saitama, for permanent records,
accounts, etc. Originally, a kozo paper similar to Sugiharashi made in Hosokawa (Hyogo)
was brought to Edo, and, as the papermaking centre of Edo was Ogawa, the technique of
the two papers were combined to make hosokawashi.
- Kaishi
- Literally, "pocket paper". A general term for paper used in the tea ceremony which is tucked in the
front of the kimono. Used to clean the fingers after wiping the tea bowl, or used as a plate for cakes or
sweets served during the ceremony. Kurasuyama kaishi is famous and is used by the Imperial
household.
- Karakami
- Literally, "Chinese paper". Patterned writing paper introduced from China.
- Kamiko
- Literally, "paper clothing". The kozo paper is treated with persimmon tannin and, after
drying, it is crumpled thoroughly, and then smoothed and tailored into wearable apparel.
- Katagami
- Thick, durable paper cut into stencils. Ise katagami is a stencil design cut in Ise. However,
the base kozo or mitsumata paper is from Hiroshima or Gifu.
- Kinshi Ginshi Yoshi
- One hundred percent mitsumata paper that is cut and twisted into yarn. The yarn is coated
with gold or silver and used in Nishijin (Kyoto) brocade. [Kin is gold, gin is silver, and
shi is paper. --JW]
- Komagami
- Originally, a paper often used as a utility wrapper by women for wrapping or kaishi. It was
decorated with a pretty design. The scope of application gradually developed from a small-sized sheet to
such large-sized paper as panel paper with patterns designed in the wet sheet. Also called art paper.
- Kumogami
- A paper with a cloud design. Used for long, narrow tanzaku and square shikishi
poetry cards. A decorating technique of overlaying dyed fibres in a cloud design on the top and bottom
part of the wet sheet. There are many variations of the technique.
- Kyokushi
- Literally, "bureau paper". In 1874, the Papermaking Dept., Printing Bureau, Ministry of Finance,
was established and efforts were made to make a unique Japanese-style paper. In 1878, this paper was
exhibited at eh Paris Exposition and was widely acclaimed. A thick mitsumata paper, smooth, it is
strongly pliant with sharp reproduction printability.
- Maniaishi
- A gampi paper originating in the Muromachi period (1336-1573). The name is
derived from the fact that it can be pasted without any joint for half the width (90 cm) of a sliding panel.
Literally, it means "paper meeting requirements" or "paper serving the purpose". It is used for sliding
panel paper and backing paper for mounting. It is represented by Echizen Torinoko and Nashio
paper using pulverized clay, and is a good example of development into a different grade of paper.
- Michinokugami
- (c.f. danshi) Literally, "paper from northern Japan". Its name often appears in books of lady
authors of the Heian period (794-1192) together with paper made by Shioku-In (Kyoto
government paper mill, established 806-810). It is a kozo paper synonymous with danshi.
Used for ceremonial purposes such as writing, wrapping gifts, etc.
- Minatogami
- Wall paper pasted above a height of 60 cm from the floor on the lower part of the wall. [I don’t
understand this one! --JW] Pasted on the wall to support it firmly. Exclusively used for tea ceremony
houses.
- Minogami
- One of the oldest and most popular of a number of plain kozo papers originally made in
Mino, Gifu. Minogami family registers dated 702 still remain in Shoso-In which attests
to its old history. The old minogami standard sized, called minoban, was 33 × 24.3 cm.
Today, minogami means a kozo paper for stationery, books, or shojigami (sliding
door paper).
- Misugami
- The history of this name is unknown. It is a thin kozo paper used for mounting. At present,
it is made in Yoshino-cho, Nara. Pigment powder derived from incinerated clam shells is mixed with
kozo pulp and the paper is made in a small-sized papermaking mould. The characteristic of this
paper is that it is immediately taken off the screen and dried on the drying board so that it becomes a soft
and mature paper.
- Momigami
- Thick, high-quality kozo paper often treated with the root of konnyaku (devil’s
tongue) and crumpled, rubbed, and stretched. used for kamiko (paper clothing).
- Nishinouchishi
- A special kozo paper encouraged by the Mito clan. Its name is derived from the locale of
production, Nishinouchi, Ibaragi. There are still papermakers there using the superior nasu kozo.
The paper has a wide use and was famous as ballot paper during the Meiji period (1867-1929).
- Ramonshi
- Ramon originally meant a thin silk textile. Ramonshi is a decorated paper where
dyed fibre (gampi, etc.) is twilled and overlaid on the entire surface of the paper resembling the
woven textile of ramon. This paper existed during the Heian period (710-794) but this
gorgeous technique died out later and attempts to revive this paper continue.
- Seichoshi
- During the Edo period (1603-1867), a ledger cleanly rewritten was called seicho.
Therefore, a high grade kozo paper for preserving such records came to be called
seichoshi. It was extensively made in Tosa (Kochi) and in western Japan. At present, it is still
produced in Agawa, Kochi.
- Senkashi
- During the Tensho years (1573-1592), the priest Senka devised this kozo paper at
the Anraku temple and the Uwajima clan encouraged production which flourished greatly. This strong and
thick paper is made by scooping the stock onto both fine mesh and large mesh screens and then joining
the two sheets into one thick sheet. It is used as cover paper for books and is still being made in Ehime
and Kochi.
- Senshi
- A drawing paper praised by writers and artists from ancient times. Its soft and gentle blurring effect
has no comparison. The raw material used is a mixture of fibres from the Chinese spindletree bark
and rice straw.
- Shifu
- Literally, "paper cloth". It is a 100% kozo paper, soft and strong. The paper is cut and
twisted into threads which are then woven into paper cloth.
- Shojigami
- Traditional sliding door paper. Shoji is the latticed sliding door. This paper is pasted over
the lattice work and the assembly is used as panels. It permits light into the room while retaining the
warmth. The standard size is 63.6 × 93.9 cm. This paper is a kozo paper produced in various areas
of Japan. The highest class of shojigami is the shoingami. With the development of
Japanese-style architecture for temples and samurai domiciles, the shoin (study room) was
established and the highest class paper for the sliding door was used for this room.
- Sugiharashi
- This name is derived from Sugihara-mura (Hyogo) at the end of the Heian period (794-
1192). It is a kozo paper representing the middle ages, and samurai and priests often used this
paper as gifts on formal occasions. This paper was not as thick as danshi and its simplicity was
favoured particularly by the samurai class. During the Edo period (1603-1867), it also became
popular among the common people.
- Sukigata Moyooshi
- These are elegantly designed papers that are processed while still in a moist state to created a
design or pattern. Originally, it was used to write poetry or to copy sutras. These ornate papers are still
produced today with more new designs and patterns.
- Sukushi
- Recycled paper. Paper that was insufficiently de-inked was called "light inked paper" or "water
clouded paper". Included in this category was kankonshi ("paper recalling the lost soul") which
was paper recycled from letters of the deceased, and recycled paper for daily use.
- Tengujoshi
- In the middle ages, an extremely thin kozo paper that originated in Mino (Gifu). The origin
of the name is unknown. This paper is made with the most sophisticated papermaking techniques. It is used
for artists’ tracing paper, block copy for wood-block prints, and backing paper. After the Meiji
period (1867-1912), it was used for industrial papers such as typewriter paper, and was made extensively
in Mino (Gifu) and Tosa (Kochi). It is still being made in Kochi. Much of this paper is exported overseas
where it is favoured for wrapping material for precious stones, jewelry, and pieces of fine art.
- Torinoko
- A gampi paper, which appeared in the middle ages, was made primarily in Echizen (Fukui).
Torinoko literally means "child of the bird or egg" and it must have been derived from the
unbleached colour of the paper that resembled the colour of a light yellow bird’s egg. It is used for
stationery and cards, art printing, sliding panel paper, and semi-official documents.
- Uchigumori
- This is a decorative technique in which calligraphy paper is overlaid with dyed fibres lying like a
stretch of clouds on the upper and lower edge of the paper. There are such varieties as blue clouds, purple
clouds, and blue and purple clouds. The overlay fibre is now gampi, but kozo fibres were
used in the past. There is also a technique which is used to express stormy water movement.
- Udagami
- The name is derived from Uda-gun, Nara. This paper is used for mounting, and is a rather thick
kozo paper containing a local clay. The clay gives softness to the paper and prevents stretching or
shrinking.
- Yoshinogami
- A thin kozo paper made in Nara which is most suitable for lacquer filtration.
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