Inclusions 39
Folded Tie-Dyed Washi 42
Back-Coating 46
HONORED TRADITIONS
Japanese Origami Crane 52
Origami Peace Cranes 56
Senbazuru: “Thousand Cranes” 57
Ehiroi 58
Imoseyama 60
Seigaiha 62
Noshi (Tsutsumi) 64
Hana Tsutsumi 65
Noshi Awabi 66
Sailboat Envelope 72
Masu Box 76
Wallet or Clutch Purse 82
Crane’s Egg Modular Box 88
Tato 94
Vase Cover 97
Desktop Organizer (Pen/ Pencil/ Brush Holder) 101
“Ceramic” Form with Chigiri-e 104
Tulip Bowl 110
Hurricane Bowl 115
Sewn-Bound Washi Book 120
INTRODUCTION
Paper is my favorite art material, and some of my most favorite paper, called washi, was developed in Japan. This book is for people who also love washi and other high-quality handmade papers. At Origamido Studio we have been making paper, teaching others how to make paper by hand, and making art from fine papers for over ten years. Our students, customers, and visitors also fall in love with handmade papers, but in the beginning they seem puzzled about what they could do with it. Some even lament an addiction to fine papers—“I have stacks of wonderful, handmade papers from my travels, but I never seem to use any of it!”
This book is for paper crafters, artists, book binders, interior designers, and especially those who are interested in making their own, fine papers for arts and crafts. Beginning students at our hand papermaking classes often think they could never make their own paper. Do we expect everybody that buys this book to make their own washi-like paper? Of course not, but if so inclined, those who choose to do so will find this book an invaluable help, and all of you will be armed with more product information as you shop the paper stores.
This book is for all of you! We will show you how to enjoy your collection of washi by properly preparing it by dyeing, stiffening, and building composites. Many of the projects involve folding, others use tearing, and in some the papers are shaped and formed after moistening. In any event, the washi eventually becomes a cherished gift to a friend or loved one, or something wonderful you can enjoy in your own home or at work.
WASHI
The Magnificent “Skin” of Japan
The word “washi” is a combination of two Japanese words, wa and shi. Taken literally, “wa” means “peace,” and “shi” means “paper.” However, when used together, they have come to mean “Japanese paper,” with the “wa” prefix now representing the essence of Japanese culture. Nowhere else but in Japan does a culture seem so intimately associated with fine papers. For centuries, the Japanese have embraced the exploration of paper’s potential. Through this exploration, they soon realized that washi could become so many things, including clothing, lanterns, parasols, fans, windows, room screens, masks, and ceremonial decorations.
Japanese handmade papers are as beautiful, genuine, and interestingly varied as Japan itself. The patterns chosen to decorate washi are typically icons of the rich Japanese culture, landscape, and history. Like washi, Japan can show its bright colors, bustling noise, and excitement, but it can also show its softer, natural, tranquil side. From bright, silk kimono–inspired Yuzen patterns to subdued, creamy, silky whorls, washi offers a magnificent “skin” that expresses and defines Japan.
Washi is beautiful, not only on the surface but throughout: Washi’s inherent character tends to shine through, even when its surface is printed, painted, or dyed. Its simple beauty belies the extraordinary effort taken to create luxurious paper with soft and supple strength.
Washi is not only beautiful but endlessly varied. Its raw materials are products of the Earth, and the three major species of plants harvested to become washi— Kozo, Mitsumata, and Gampi—are each unique, making their own inimitable contribution to the final product. Geography, topography, and local weather conditions affect these plants, which can grow quite differently in the various regions of Japan, and add to the individual personalities of the paper. These subtle differences in fine papers, like scrumptious foods and exquisite wines, do indeed enhance a civilized life. The Japanese people have long realized this and seem to respect high-quality paper perhaps a bit more than others do. So I call washi the magnificent “skin” of Japan for these reasons, but you do not have to be Japanese to appreciate, make, or use washi.
THE SPECIAL QUALITIES OF WASHI
There are countless different kinds of washi, yet there are certain recognizable qualities that set it apart from similar, western-style papers. People who encounter washi for the first time remark that it resembles cloth more than it does paper, which is probably a fair assessment due to its softness, both in look and feel. Although washi may feel soft, if made correctly it is exceedingly strong, even when wet. Its folding and tensile strength measurements are often quite high, due to the length and quality of the fibers. Its strength allows washi to be employed as a basic material for fabricating a staggering range of
