Washi, craftsmanship of traditional Japanese hand-made paper

Summary

The script explores Japan's traditional Washi paper-making, a centuries-old craft using the Koo plant. It highlights the meticulous process from bark stripping to final drying, emphasizing the importance of patience and family involvement. Washi is renowned for its durability and is deeply integrated into Japanese culture and architecture. The script also discusses the cultural significance of Washi in regions like Mino City, its role in local identity, and international exchanges promoting intangible cultural heritage.

Takeaways

• 📜 The traditional Japanese paper-making technique, known as Washi, has a history dating back to the 8th century and is still practiced today.
• 🌿 Washi paper is made from the Koo plant, a type of mulberry, which is a fast-growing plant used for its natural fibers.
• 🛠️ The process of making Washi is labor-intensive and requires several steps including stripping the bark, soaking, boiling, and cleaning the fibers.
• 👪 The paper-making process is a communal activity that fosters interaction and information exchange among family members or workers.
• 🎨 The fibers are mixed with water and Mage, a substance from the Toi plant, to help them bond together evenly, creating the paper's texture.
• 🖼️ The paper is formed by scooping the fiber mixture onto a screen and then dried under the sun, resulting in soft and natural sheets.
• 🏞️ Washi is produced in specific regions of Japan, such as Mino City, Gifu Prefecture, and Ogawa Town, Saitama Prefecture, each with its own name for the product.
• 🏛️ Mino City, known for its HOSOMI Washi, has a rich history tied to the Nagara River, with villages and port towns that were central to Washi production and trade.
• 🎉 The city of Mino holds an annual art festival celebrating Washi, allowing people to appreciate the cultural significance of the paper and its role in the local identity.
• 🌐 International exchanges and collaborations, such as with Amalfi in Italy and Bhutan, promote the global appreciation and understanding of Washi and its cultural heritage.
• 🔄 The Washi-making technique is not only a source of pride but also a symbol of local identity and a bond that unites communities, ensuring its preservation for future generations.

Q & A

What is the traditional Japanese paper making technique called?

The traditional Japanese paper making technique is called Washi.

What type of plant is primarily used to make Washi paper?

The Koo plant, from the mulberry family, is the primary raw material used to make Washi paper.

In which regions of Japan are the traditional Washi techniques still practiced today?

The traditional Washi techniques are practiced in Hamar City, Shiman Prefecture; Mino City, Gifu Prefecture; and Ogawa Town, Higashi Chiu Village, Saitama Prefecture.

What are the different names given to the Washi products from the mentioned regions?

The Washi products are known as Seansi Hoshi and Hosok Kaashi, respectively, depending on the region.

How is the outer bark of the Koo plant initially processed in Washi making?

The outer bark of the Koo plant is stripped down and soaked in clean, flowing water for several days to naturally whiten it and remove impurities.

What is the purpose of boiling the bark in the Washi paper making process?

Boiling the bark makes it soft, which is necessary for the subsequent steps of the paper making process.

Why is the process of removing impurities from the boiled raw material considered important in Washi making?

The process of removing impurities is important and indispensable as it ensures the quality of the fibers and the final paper product, requiring time and patience.

What is the role of Mage from the Toi plant in the Washi paper making process?

Mage from the Toi plant helps the fibers to twist together more evenly, contributing to the paper's quality.

How are the fibers formed into a sheet of Washi paper?

The fibers are placed in thickened water, quickly scooped onto a re screen mat, and then left to form a paper sheet.

What happens to the Washi paper after it is left to dry overnight?

After drying overnight, pressure is applied to the paper to slowly press out the water, and once the water is drained, the sheets are separated and spread onto a drying board.

How does the Washi paper drying process contribute to its final qualities?

The drying process in sunlight and wind makes the Washi paper soft and natural, and each sheet is sorted according to thickness and color, with imperfect ones eliminated.

Why are sliding paper screen doors (Shoji) significant in Japanese architecture and culture?

Sliding paper screen doors allow soft and gentle sunlight to shine through, symbolizing Japanese architecture and being deeply rooted in Japanese people's lives since ancient times.

How has the Washi making tradition contributed to the local identity and economy of Mino City?

Washi making has been central to the local identity and economy of Mino City, with the city developing along the Nagara River and the port village flourishing through Washi transportation since the 17th century.

What is the significance of the annual 'Washi no Yorokobi' art festival in Mino City?

The annual 'Washi no Yorokobi' art festival in Mino City is an opportunity for people to reconnect with the cultural meaning of Washi and enjoy the town's historical townscape illuminated by lamp shades made of Washi.

How do Washi making techniques contribute to the safeguarding of intangible cultural heritage worldwide?

Washi making techniques, as part of intangible cultural heritage, are nurtured and shared through international exchanges, promoting dialogue and increasing awareness of cultural heritage beyond borders and generations.