15/08/2016
Washi,” the traditional handmade paper, was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list in Nov. 2104.
The registered products are Hosokawashi from Saitama Prefecture, Honminoshi from Gifu Prefecture and Sekishubanshi from Shimane Prefecture, where craftspeople continue to use traditional techniques to make paper by hand, using only mulberry fiber.
An investigation of Japan’s oldest washi paper, preserved in the Shosoin Repository (of Todaiji Temple) in Nara Prefecture, reveals a collection of many important art and craft works, including a family registry sheet that was handmade in three areas that included Mino Province (now the southern part of Gifu Prefecture) some 1,300 years ago. In spite of its age, the fibers of this Mino-made paper remain well intertwined, and still maintain a soft, unique feel.
The Last Judgment, fresco (made by the Italian Renaissance master Michelangelo)was restored by this legendary strength of “washi".
Kozo (paper mulberry) is said to be the masculine element, the protector, thick and strong. Branches of the kozo are trimmed, soaked, the bark removed, and the tough pliant inner bark laboriously separated, cleaned, then pounded and stretched.
The addition of the pounded fibre to a liquid solution, combined with tororo-aoi (fermented hibiscus root) as a mucilage, produces a paste-like substance when it is mixed.
It is this "paste" which is tossed until evenly spread on a bamboo mesh screen (called a su) to form each sheet of paper. The sheets are piled up wet, and later laid out to dry on wood in the sun or indoors on a heated dryer.
Acid-Free Traditionally-made Japanese papers are truly acid-free if they are unbleached and unsized. Examples of printed papers exist in perfect condition in Japan from 1000 years ago.
Washi is distinguished by its extremely beautiful whiteness, with a soft yet durable quality. Paper is only designated if it meets requirements such as using only pulp from mulberry trees as its constituent ingredient, using only natural additives, and prohibiting the use of bleach.
Warmth. Literally warmer to the touch than Western papers made of woodpulp, washi feels soft and creates a feeling of warmth in the viewer. Its tactile qualities make it wonderful for invitations and books.
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The copyright of the below photo belongs to Ozu Washi who will provide us with the workshop venue on Aug. 20, 2016.