Paper

The appeal of Japanese paper produced with traditional technique: Washi

In Japan, the art of handmade paper has a long and rich history.

The Japanese culture in fact has always had tight ties with paper, known all over the world thanks to its preciousness, refinement and high quality.

In 2014 " Washi" has been inserted in the Unesco world heritage list.

The invention of paper is attributed to the Chinese.

Chinese paper came to Japan in IV-V century and subsequently was named " Washi" ( "wa":Japanese "shi": paper).

Japanese paper is characterized by thinness and robustness at the same time, and by the typical sensation of smoothness to the touch. These features result from the original fabrication of Japanese paper.

The materials of Japanese paper are:Kozo (Broussoneria kazinoki), Mitsumata (Edgemorthia papyrifera) and Gampi (Diplomorpha sikokiana), all bushes characterized by long fibers; instead, occidental paper is made from wood paste.

 

50 years of Japanese paper in Florence.

During the tragic flood in 1966,Japanese papere was re-discovered from occidentale restorers  and it soon was identified as one of the best materials to save art works damaged and scattered in the city.

Since then Japanese paper has been used more and more for art restoration all of the world to save books, old stamps and paintings.

10 years ago she selected this material by chance for the making of her works,