We craft bespoke luxury interiors and sacred performances, showcasing Japan’s finest traditional artistry, once cherished and commissioned by the Imperial family and shoguns.
Washi is a special material with a history spanning more than 1,000 years, and is the pride of Japan’s traditional handmade paper. Made from the fibers of plants unique to Japan, washi is loved around the world for its elegance and durability.
Unlike ordinary paper, no wood pulp is used, and each sheet is carefully crafted by hand by artisans, giving it a distinctive warmth, softness, and luxurious feel. Its delicate texture makes it a choice for interior decoration and ornamentation, adding a prestigious atmosphere to any space.
The roots of washi paper can be traced back more than 1,000 years ago to papermaking techniques introduced from China, which evolved uniquely in Japan. Later, as a high-quality paper, it came to be used for religious scriptures and official documents. As a highly durable paper, washi was also used for aristocratic letters, poetry, and paintings, and was carefully nurtured in Japanese culture.
Eventually, washi was recognized as a material with artistic value beyond its practical use, and in the 19th century it attracted attention at international expositions. Its thinness, strength, and the beauty of its ability to transmit light earned it the title of “miracle paper” in the West, and it was loved by many artists, royalty, and aristocrats. Today, it is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and is known throughout the world as a symbol of traditional Japanese craftsmanship.
The greatest appeal of washi lies in its durability. Its quality, also known as “the world’s longest-lasting paper,” is proven by the fact that washi made approximately 1,260 years ago still remains in sound condition today. Washi also has naturally occurring antibacterial and deodorizing properties, and in recent years it has attracted attention in cutting-edge fields, including its use as a material for space suits.
The beauty and functionality of washi are also highly valued in the world of art. For example, it was used in the restoration of “The Last Judgment” by Italian master Michelangelo, where its thinness and strength were considered ideal for protecting the precious work. In this way, washi has gone beyond Japanese tradition to contribute to the preservation of cultural assets around the world.
The soft, light-transmitting properties of washi are also useful in interior design. Used as lampshades, shoji screens, and wallpaper, washi adds warmth and sophistication to spaces and creates a luxurious atmosphere. Because each piece is handmade, every piece is unique and has value as a work of art that transcends utilitarian use.
- Preparation of Raw Materials
The first step in making washi is to use plant fibers unique to Japan as raw materials. These fibers are grown in a harsh natural environment, and their quality greatly determines the finished product of washi. Craftsmen carefully assess the timing of harvesting and the condition of the materials, and carefully select each one to produce the best washi possible. This process is imbued with the uniquely Japanese spirit of harmony with nature.
2. Bleaching and Softening
Selected fibers are bleached in clean rivers and streams, and then naturally bleached using the power of the sun and water. No chemicals are used in this process, and by harnessing the power of nature itself, the beauty and warmth of the fibers are brought out. This gentle bleaching is an important step in creating the transparency and softness of washi.
- Fiber Processing Bleached fibers are carefully beaten and finely loosened. In this process, the length and uniformity of the fibers are adjusted, and the strength and texture of the washi are determined. Craftsmen work with their hands and their hearts while attending to the condition of the fibers. This delicate work one by one is one of the reasons why washi has its “strong and beautiful” characteristics.
- Suki Work The suki-work, the core of washi making, is the moment when the beauty and individuality of washi are born. Craftsmen spread the fibers in a tank filled with water and carefully make each sheet of paper by hand. This process requires experience and sensitivity, and even the slightest lapse of attention is not tolerated. The thickness and transparency of the paper are also adjusted during this process. For example, the paper is used for shoji paper, which allows light to pass through softly, and for restoration paper, which requires special strength. In every moment of the papermaking process, the craftsmen’s thoughts and meticulous care are put into the paper.
- Drying and Finishing After the paper is finished, it is affixed to a special drying table or board and allowed to dry naturally. At this stage, temperature and humidity are carefully adjusted to ensure that the paper dries evenly, and delicate distortions and scratches are prevented. After the drying process is complete, the washi paper has a smooth texture and a unique luster, and a dignified finish is achieved. The final step is the finishing process, where every inch of the paper is inspected and strict standards are applied to ensure that even the slightest imperfection is not overlooked. The pride and responsibility of the craftsmen is put into this final step to ensure that only perfect washi is delivered to the market.
The entire process of washi making is a perfect expression of traditional Japanese culture of “symbiosis with nature” and “beauty of handcraftsmanship. From the selection of raw materials to the finishing touches, the skills and sensitivities of skilled craftsmen are lavishly applied to the careful creation of each sheet of washi. The washi produced in this way transcends the framework of mere “paper” and has special value as “art woven by nature and human skill.
The durability and functionality of washi are also supported by the meticulous attention to detail of its craftsmen. For example, in the traditional papermaking process, the fibers are skillfully intertwined to produce paper that is resistant to pulling and tearing. This delicate technique is the reason why washi is called “the world’s longest-lasting paper.
Furthermore, in the bleaching and drying processes, it is more important to bring out the beauty and texture of the material itself rather than chemical efficiency. This philosophy of utilizing the power of nature while at the same time taking advantage of the appeal of the material makes washi shine as an environmentally friendly and sustainable material.