Best Kept Secrets of
the Wet Paint Paper Department
Chiyogami & Katazome
Whether you prefer classic Japanese
motifs, something strictly geometric, or perhaps
just a charming, colorful pattern that will give personality to your
decorative projects, we’ve got a selection of Japanese
printed papers that will suit your needs.
Chiyogami, characterized by
small printed patterns with traditional Japanese designs and symbols,
is an ornamental paper that has been used in doll making, bookmaking,
box making and various paper crafts since the Edo period. Though originally
printed by hand with wood blocks, contemporary Chiyogami is commonly
silk-screened onto machine-made sheets of a kozo/sulphite mix. These manufactured sheets are beautifully crafted and though perhaps
not as elegant and precious as the hand-made versions, you’re
sure to like the price!
For those who appreciate the quality of hand-printed
paper, our new Katazome sheets are a must-see! These
gorgeous sheets feature bold & colorful Japanese folk art designs
produced through a labor-intensive process of stencil resist dyeing
on kozo (kata = stencil, zome = dye).
Katazome pigments seep deep into the kozo fibers
for long-lasting color and ageless beauty. Both Chiyogami and Katazome
are hardy enough to withstand daily use and accept folding, cutting
and pasting beautifully, making them ideal candidates for virtually
any interior design projects. From cranes and flowers to spaceships,
ladybugs, art supplies, fireworks and even farm animals, the vast array
of patterns hidden away in our sample folders will delight and charm
all who inquire!
Looking for something a little plainer? We’ve
renewed our supply of Moriki (also known as Yamato)
and have brought in seven new colors! Another printmaking-bookmaking-letterpress
all star, this durable handmade (70% kozo/30% sulphite) solid-colored deckled paper is a favorite that should not be missed.
