Paper for paper art: Japanese paper

When we make origami, we often hear that one of the origami materials used is called "washi", but what is "washi" and how to define "washi" and "washi"? "Japanese paper" is different from other ordinary papers. Now follow the paper art website to learn about "Waji" and understand the magical production process of "Waji"!

Introduction to Japanese paper

Wahi paper is a type of paper originating from Japan. It is usually made of fibers from wild goose bark, mulberry bark, and mulberry bark, but sometimes bamboo, hemp, rice, or wheat are also used. The word "washi" is now used as a general term for paper handmade through traditional crafts.

Wahi paper is usually stronger than ordinary paper made from wood pulp. It is mainly used in some traditional handicrafts, such as origami, calligraphy, ukiyo-e, etc., and is widely used. Washi paper itself is used in everyday things, such as making clothing, furniture, and toys, as well as for special religious purposes. They were even made into garlands at the 1998 Winter Paralympics. There are also special types of Japanese paper, such as thin Japanese paper, which are also used for book protection and repair. The production process of Japanese paper itself originates from the traditional Chinese paper production process.

Making of Japanese paper

The production of Japanese paper is very similar to traditional paper production, but the chemical materials are different. The overall production process is long and tedious, and even the production time has strict requirements, usually in the cold winter, and the pure, flowing cold water used will greatly affect the washi paper. quality, this is because cold can inhibit the growth of bacteria, which can damage the fiberPlay an antiseptic role. At the same time, cold will also make the fibers denser, producing paper with a certain brittleness. In traditional production, winter is chosen because most farmers have no farm work in winter and can increase their income by making Japanese paper.

↑ Paper mulberry

Treatia mulberry can be said to be the most commonly used production material. The general operation is to boil the branches of paper mulberry trees, peel off the bark, and then dry them. The fiber is then cooked with alkali to remove the starch, fat and tannic acid, and then placed in flowing water to wash away the alkali. Then it is bleached, and some impurities on it are picked out by hand. Finally, place the ball on a stone or wooden board and hit it hard.

Types of Japanese paper

With special processing, both woody and herbaceous plants can be made into Japanese paper. Yanpi, Sanya, and paper mulberry are the three most commonly used materials. The produced Japanese paper can also be divided into these three categories.

Yanpi paper: In ancient times, it was called Fei paper. Its surface is smooth and shiny. It is mainly used to make paper for books

Pu paper: This kind of paper is generally made from paper mulberry bark and is the most widely used paper. It is very dense and will not become very "fragile" after being waterproofed.

Sanya paper: This kind of paper has an ivory white color and a smooth surface. It is mainly used for calligraphy and printing. During Japans Mingzhi period, it was also used to print coins.

Although traditional Japanese paper is relatively cheap, Japanese paper used for origami or other paper arts is often very expensive, so it is not easy to see in the general paper market. It needs to be purchased at a special paper craft store.