Sekishu Washi by Kubota

SUPERB PAPER INHERITED FROM OLD TIMES, JAPANESE PAPER, WASHI.

Washi (和紙) is Japanese traditional paper, it is very first made paper in Japanese history. Meaning of the word, Wa (Japanese) Shi (Paper), material usually used mitsumata shrub (Edgeworthia chrysantha), paper mulberry, bamboo, rice, and some other. They are made by hand. UNESCO intangible cultural heritage.

石州和紙久保田, sekishu washi kuboda, japanese paper

Producing washi requires proficiency, intensive care and probably the most, knowledge and sense of weather. It is produced in a way vey similar to that of ordinary papers we use everyday. It involves long process of to undertaken in cold weather of winter. In order to make firm and strong washi, pure and cold running water are essential due to bacteria decomposing fibers. Cold water weaken bacteria activity and contract the fibers.

In Shimane prefecture, a place of rich nature, mountain and its clean fountain, perfect location for Sekishu Washi Kubota (石州和紙久保田) to run their culturally inherited craft work. The washi craft shop is run by Mr. Kubota who is enthusiastic about international exchange. Even with the Kingdom of Bhutan.

If you are or will be close-by, visit Sekishu Washi Kubota and observe how traditional Japanese paper is made. Hopefully, you'll like it and buy some of his craft work to support Japanese tradition.

石州和紙久保田, japanese paper, washi, sekishuhanshi, 稀, mare

Sekishu hanshi, Mare (石州半紙稀).

Price: ¥2,520

250mm x 350mm size, 20 pack. "Mare" is a Japanese word for "Rare". 100% kozoa paper mulberry is used and they are grown in Sekishu (West side of Shimane). This is the highest quality of paper produced by Kubota. (1000 pack cost ¥115,500)