Japanese Paper Australia

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.

Washi is generally tougher than ordinary paper made from wood pulp, and is used in many traditional arts. Origami, Shodo, Ukiyoe were all produced using washi. Washi was also used to make various everyday goods like clothes, interior goods, and toys as well as vestments for Shinto priests and statues of Buddha. It was even used to make wreaths that were given to winners in the 1998 Winter Paralympics. Washi was developed from the traditional Chinese paper-making process.

Washi is produced in a similar way to ordinary paper, but fewer chemicals are used. It involves a long and intricate process that is often undertaken in the cold weather of winter. It is traditionally the winter work of farmers.

Applications

Until the early 20th century, the Japanese used washi in applications where wood pulp paper or other materials would normally have been used. This is partly because washi was cheaper, but also because the unique characteristics of washi made it a better material. The different uses of washi are too numerous to mention, but include the following: