Collection: Japanese Traditional Paper -和紙

小川和紙：Ogawa Washi

The history of Japanese traditional paper making (Washi 和紙) in Ogawa area dates back over 1300 years. Handmade Ogawa Washi is made from ”Kozo楮” (paper mulberry plant) and has great qualities of being thin, durable, and long lasting and is still used in art and cultural and housing projects.

Ogawa is one of the largest paper producing regions, surrounded by the Chichibu mountains and Tsuki and Kabuto rivers in Saitama, Japan. This beautiful natural environment has nurtured the art of paper making in this area, over a long time in our history.

唐紙：Karakami

Karakami paper was originally introduced from China during the Heian period (794-1185) and produced by Japanese craftsmen using their own traditional Japanese paper as a base. Originally Karakami paper was used for writing Classical Japanese poetry. During the Edo Period (1615-1868), while political and cultural power was transferring from Kyoto to Tokyo, Karakami was developed by artisans and used for a wider range of decorative purposes and within many households; Karakami therefore no longer existed only for Kyoto's noble families.

小泉襖紙加工所：Koizumi Fusumagami Works

Koizumi Fusumagami Works is a family run paper printing studio, producing Karakami using traditional methods established in the Edo period. The wisdoms and techniques have been passed down through the generations, and they are still producing traditional yet sophisticated designs and beautiful papers for Fusuma sliding doors. Every single paper is treated carefully and heartily, resulting in beautiful pieces of art work. The desire to protect the traditional craftsmanship whilst introducing Karakami into modern life settings, is a challenge relished by the Japanese wisdoms of Koizumi Fusuma Works.