It's a Japanese paper that has many designer applications!
If you are into crafting, you may already know about and use Washi papers. Washi 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.
Pictured is a Ume Washi Fan.
Quick, how do you feel about washi?
Did you already know about washi?
"Washi" comes from "Wa" meaning Japanese and "Shi" meaning paper, and the term is used to describe paper made by hand in the traditional manner. Washi is generally tougher than ordinary paper made from wood pulp, and is used in many traditional arts. Origami, Shodo, and Ukiyo-e were all produced using washi.
Washi was also used to make various everyday goods like clothes, household goods, and toys as well as vestments and ritual objects for Shinto priests and statues of Buddha. It was even used to make wreaths that were given to winners in the 1998 Winter Paralympics.
Several kinds of washi, referred to collectively as Japanese tissue, are used in the conservation and mending of books. Washi was developed from the traditional Chinese paper-making process.
Japanese Washi silk paper choker
This piece of handcrafted jewelry is a bit of a twist on the traditional Japanese Washi paper jewelry.Shimara Carlow's silver dome and Japanese silk paper dome choker is simply stunning. It sits beautifully around the base of your neck and is certainly the ultimate accessory to any wedding dress. The silver wire is wrapped to create the fantastic 3-dimensional effect and the silver buds and Japanese paper flowers add a delicate contrast.
Hold your horses! I found it for a whopping £460.00 at Iapetus!
Japanese Washi butterfly pendant
This handmade necklace is so fun and colorful. Made from carved mother of pearl shell that is covered in Japanese Yuzen paper. No two are exactly alike. Comes on an 18" black leather strand with a silver plated bead and unique snap clasp. This necklaces comes in a beautiful brocade satin bag, perfect for gift giving or storing your new treasure.This pendant is made by Ish Designs and was found at Shop Orange Button for a reasonable $38.00.
Japanese Washi paper lantern
This Japanese Washi paper lantern is a design classic designed by Isamu Noguchi. It's the Akari Light Sculpture.The lantern was available in an assortment of colors. I first spotted this at the HH Style site, but it's a Japanese site and I don't see the English translation.
But, another cool site is the Akari Store which has quite a nice selection of his work!
Crafting with Washi Paper
Washi FAQs
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 comes from wa meaning Japanese and shi meaning paper, and the term is used to describe paper made by hand in the traditional manner.
Washi is generally tougher than ordinary paper made from wood pulp, and is used in many traditional arts. Origami, Shodo, and Ukiyo-e were all produced using washi. Washi was also used to make various everyday goods like clothes, household goods, and toys as well as vestments and ritual objects for Shinto priests and statues of Buddha. It was even used to make wreaths that were given to winners in the 1998 Winter Paralympics. Several kinds of washi, referred to collectively as Japanese tissue, are used in the conservation and mending of books. Washi was developed from the traditional Chinese paper-making process.
The buzz on Washi
- Kawaii I Found
- Thursday, December 17, 2009. Cute Japanese Washi Paper Stickers Sherbet And Sweets In Summer (S542)...
- Gift Guide: Gifts for Crafters
- These washi paper masking tapes have taken the design world by storm -- any crafter is bound to find...
- Washi Paper Masking Tape
- We've posted something like this before, but these have a slight variation in colors and have more o...
- *the alice line*: washi paper masking tape
- washi paper masking tape. the holidays are just around the corner, so pick up this cute washi paper...
Learn more about Isamu Noguchi
The buzz on Isamu Noguchi
- Isamu Noguchi
- Available for purchase through Hiromi Paper now (with mid-January shipment arrival) here. ISAMU NOGU...
- the space needle seen through the eye of isamu noguchi's “black sun”
- Sculpture from 1969.
- Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum, 33rd Rd at Vernon Blvd, LIC
- liqcity posted a photo: Isamu Noguchi Garden Museum, 33rd Rd at Vernon Blvd, LIC. liQcity.
- Black Sun by Isamu Noguchi, Volunteer Park, Seattle on Flickr ...
- Last Friday night, Seattle was hit by a freak ice storm. After playing some music aa friend's house...
Drop me a line and tell me what you think of Japanese Washi!
Have you discovered the beauty of Washi? Do you work with it?
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Reply
- hlkljgk hlkljgk Nov 6, 2009 @ 3:48 pm
- lovely art
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Reply
- ElizabethJeanAllen ElizabethJeanAllen May 5, 2009 @ 4:49 pm
- Great lens!
Lizzy
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Learn about the history of Washi
Buy Washi Japanese Paper
- Shizu
- Shizu stocks an extensive line of fine Japanese papers, dolls, and origami supplies. Many papers are hand made, including a few styles made with techniques dating back hundreds of years.
- Kura
- Kura supplies Japanese traditional paper 'Washi' from Japan.
- Hanko Designs
- The Hanko Collection includes Japanese Washi and Origami Paper.
Washi cool links
- Hiromi Paper International
- The history of washi.
- List of Washi
- This is quite a lengthy, comprehensive list of washi terminology.
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