“Washi” – Japanese Paper

More than almost any other material, Japanese “Washi” paper can be put to an extremely wide variety of uses for modern interior design. In addition to this contemporary practical value, it can also be used for arts and crafts. Its fascination lies not only in its fine quality and sturdiness but also its semi-transparency, which produces a gentle, calming light. If impregnated with persimmon juice, it can last for centuries.

“Washi” was invented over 2,000 years ago in China. The date 105 A.D. only indicates when its method of production became properly estab-
lished, but “Washi” already existed long before this date. In Japan it was mentioned for the first time in 610 A.D., although it was already in use during the 3rd century A.D.  “Washi” was first introduced to Europe by people from the Arab countries during the 12th century. The first German paper mill to produce paper according to this method from the Far East was not established until the 14th century.

All the materials used to produce “Washi” are plants, including mulberry plants such as Kozo, which can grow to the size of a tree, shrubs such as Gampi and Mitsuamta, and hemp. During its preparation, only the bast between the bark and the wood is used. The pulp or ‘fibre mass’ is extracted as part of a sophisticated process. This is added to the root-paste in a tub filled with water, soaked and then ladled out using a sieve lined with a fine matte. The so-called “root-paste” is a Japanese idea that improves the intermeshing of the fibres. After the water has been squeezed out using a large press, each sheet is lifted individually onto dry boards, which are then exposed to air.

But the final result is not simply a white sheet of paper. There are endless ways of making the paper more decorative. Fibres, threads, bark chips, leaves, flowers and even tiny pieces of gold or silver can be added to the pulp. From the very beginning, the whole sheet could be coloured and decorated with metal ornaments in order to produce a watermark effect. This paper is still used to this day for paintings, written documents and poem manuscripts.

Since it was first invented, however, “Washi” has been further processed to create all kinds of objects, such as containers, fans, helmets, robes and handkerchiefs, as well as for decorating walls. It is also used particularly for sliding walls and windows known as “Shoji”. The wooden lattice work is covered with this white, semi-transparent paper, which is very light-sensitive and has to be replaced frequently.