Washi
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Washi (和紙) or Wagami is a type of paper made in Japan. Washi is commonly made using fibers from the bark of the gampi tree, the mitsumata shrub (Edgeworthia papyrifera), or the paper mulberry but also can be made using bamboo, hemp, rice, and wheat.
Washi is generally tougher than ordinary paper made from wood pulp, and is used in many traditional arts. Origami, Shodo, Ukiyoe were all produced using washi. Washi was also used to make various everyday goods like clothes, interior goods, and toys as well as vestments for Shinto priests and statues of Buddha. It was even used to make wreaths that were given to winners in the 1998 Winter Paralympics. Washi was developed from the traditional Chinese paper-making process.
Manufacture
Washi is produced in a similar way to ordinary paper, but fewer chemicals are used. It involves a long and intricate process that is often undertaken in the cold weather of winter. It is traditionally the winter work of farmers.Applications
Until the early 20th century, the Japanese used washi in applications where wood pulp paper or other materials would normally have been used. This is partly because washi was cheaper, but also because the unique characteristics of washi made it a better material. The different uses of washi are too numerous to mention, but include the following:
- Ikebana — the art of flower arrangement, also known as kadō
- Katazome — a method of dyeing fabrics using a resist paste
- Origami — the art of paper folding
- Printmaking
- Sculpture
- Sewing
- Shibori — several methods of dyeing cloth with a pattern
- Shodo — the art of calligraphy
- Ukiyo-e — a genre of woodblock prints
Objects
- Bags
- Bento box
- Japanese banknotes
- Plates
- Scale models
- Umbrellas
Events
Weaponry
History
Objects
- Bags
- Bento box
- Japanese banknotes
- Plates
- Scale models
- Umbrellas
Events
Weaponry
History
Types of Washi
With enough processing, almost any grass or tree can be made into a washi. Gampi, mitsumata, and paper mulberry are three popular sources.
- Ganpishi (雁皮紙) - In ancient times, it was called Hishi (斐紙). Ganpishi has a smooth, shiny surface and is used for books and crafts.
- Kozogami (楮紙) - Kozogami is made from paper mulberry and it is the most widely made type of washi. It has a toughness closer to a cloth than ordinary paper and does not weaken significantly when treated to be water-resistant.
- Mitsumatagami (三椏紙) - Mitsumatagami has an ivory colored, fine surface and is used for shodo as well as printing. It was used to print paper money in Meiji period.
People and Washi
See also
External links
- [Washi: a brief history of one of the world's most remarkable substances] - this link seems to be broken
- [Washi] - An extensive use of washi with pictures
- [Washi] at JAANUS (Japanese Architecture and Art Net Users System)
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