Highlights
What's washi?
Washi is "Paper made in Japan using non-wood fiber as the main raw material" and has a history of more than 1400 years. There are a wide variety of papers with different characteristics, colors, and patterns depending on the region, ranging from papers that have developed in various parts of Japan to papers with a short history.
The main ingredients are three types: Kozo (the mulberry family), Mitsumata(the winter Daphne family), and Gampi (the winter Daphne famiy), and are harvested mainly from autumn to winter. Kozo is the most popular raw material, and its thick and long fibers make it possible to make strong paper. Mitsumata has finer fibers than Kozo and is suitable for printing. It is used in current paper money. Gampi has a smooth surface, and ink does not easily spread. It has been used as recording paper for a long time.
In the middle of the 6th century, two kinds of paper (Mashi and Toshi) were introduced from China, and in the 7th century the demand for paper increased due to the recording of national systems and laws. This is the origin of the world's oldest Japanese paper. Initially washi was produced by the state, and it spread in general throughout the aristocratic era. In the Edo period, each feudal domain sometimes produced its own washi. During the Meiji era was the peak of washi, and the decline of it accelerated due to the increase of the demand for Western paper after World WarⅡ. Nowadays, it has been re-evaluated as a traditional craft, such as the national government has designated it as an important cultural property in order to protect its culture.
Washi Products
Washi was originally used as a recording paper, but there are many other ways to use it. It is used in many products and is a part of life in Japan. Typical examples are Fusuma(paper-covered sliding doors), Shoji(also paper-covered sliding doors), and calligraphy paper. But in fact, banknotes are also made of washi. Ranging from cans for tea and accessory cases to necklaces and bags, Japanese paper can be used for a variety of things.
Washi and NY
The relationship between washi and New York is deep. It used to be supplied throughout the United States. Especially, New York was the center of the supply. Thus, washi had a great influence on the art world.
At that time, one of the Japanese company played an important role in supplying washi. The company is called ‘Moriki Paper’, which sponsors this exhibition.
Moriki Paper is Japan's most authentic exporter of washi, and today it sells washi to the British Museum and the Louvre.