Among Japan’s artistic products, Washi paper happens to be one of the most fundamental, yet overlooked ones. It has been the backbone of most Japanese artforms during its 1300 years of production. The word Washi is derived from Japanese for “Japanese and paper”. Also known as wagami, it was traditionally handmade in Japan using three main components i.e. mitsumata, gampi and Mulberry bark or Kozo. Each of the three components has unique properties and can be used either in combination or alone to create various types of Washi paper. What separates Washi paper from other kinds of paper is its flexibility and range. There are numerous variations for the paper and even though they often look very similar, their particular qualities differ. Below are some uses of this special paper. Do check out Washi paper solutions.
Washi paper can be used in printing due to its unique strength, texture, and absorbency which results in unique images. Traditionally, the Japanese printed on woodblock, but Washi paper is very effective in letterpress techniques, lino block or wood engraving. It can be used for etching and multi-color lithographs since it is very responsive to embossing. Some famous users of Washi paper for printing include Rembrandt who often used it for his fine etchings and the Canadian Inuit who for many years have used the paper to achieve great results in their stencil and stone prints.
Since Washi paper has a broad range of colors, patterns, and textures, not to mention its wet strength, the paper is very suitable for college. While chiri papers with their chiyogami and bark fragments are ideal for collage, Washi paper is also suitable. You'll want to know more about Washi paper distributor now.
Wash paper can be used for bookbinding since its flexibility and strength make it a suitable material for endpapers and book covers or for boxes and book sleeves. It is a great repair tissue courtesy of its wet strength. Among the variants strong enough to be used as book covers include kyoseishi, chiyogami, and chiri.
Various creative industries often find great use of this Japanese paper e.g. graphic designers, artists, conservators, craftspersons, and interior designers just to name a few. For instance, when used by artists traditional handmade Washi paper made from all three components is ideal. If made using carefully prepared fibers without chlorine, the papers can be very strong, absorbent, translucent, malleable and warm to touch with beautiful, textured surfaces. This abundance of characteristics is great for artists, like no other paper. Artists get excited as they can explore these various qualities, allowing them to uniquely express themselves. Here's how washi paper is made: https://youtu.be/_ceSpSld1g8
