YAMATSUGI SEISHIJO

Located in Echizen, Fukui, JAPAN

What is WASHI (Japanese paper)? : Traditional Japanese paper handcrafted from fibers such as mitsumata, mulberry and ganpi. It is said that the oldest Japanese paper ( dating back to the 700s ) still exists , it is kept at the Shosoin in Nara Prefecture.

 Washi has the following three stages:

・Boiling treatment (Shajuku) The raw material is heat treated to facilitate fiber extraction.

・ Beating (Koukai) Beat the extracted fibers to make them finer.

・ Paper machine (shoshi) Manufacture of paper from finely divided fibers.

Since the fiber is much longer than that of Western paper, it is strong even though it is thin . It has a relatively long lifespan and has a unique texture. Originally used to draw letters and images in ink, Washi is also found in traditional Japanese installations, shoji signs , lanterns, folding fans, uchiwa, etc. Nowadays , modern interior items made of Japanese paper are also present and appreciated all over the world.

About Echizen Washi: The city of Echizen, Fukui Prefecture , has been producing Japanese paper for 1,500 years. It is said that God taught the technique of paper making in the Imadate district where a beautiful river flows. Several Japanese paper workshops are lined up there and make the most of each specialty : according to size, texture and pattern , modifications of the raw material and the manufacturing method. Japanese paper is thus a durable , strong and flexible product . It is in perfect harmony with water, fibers and technology.

 

YAMATSUGI SEISHIJO: As a state-of-the-art Japanese paper mill we continue to make new Japanese paper with the same raw materials and tools as 1500 years ago. Combined with modern technology, we create new techniques and have different values ​​than in the past . We're making people think "new" instead of " old ." We hope this material will seem more familiar to you . We are convinced that this is the role of stationery.

Traditional craftsman Hiroya Yamashita:

A drop in demand , aging tools, nevertheless I chose to take over.

It is a respect for our ancestors.

I am ready to take on the tradition, because above all I intend not to let it die.

When you make washi, you stay face down.

At least I will always laugh heartily.

It was at that time that I decided to do it.

With the name “ traditional craftsmanship ” Japanese paper has become more noble.

I want Washi to be “ obvious ” in our time. This is my challenge and my wish. And even today, I continue to make Japanese paper.

UKIGAMI Brand: The original "UKIGAMI" brand was born from the idea of ​​using YAMATSUGI SEISHIJO technology to create a product that fits into modern life . We develop products that use our own Japanese paper called “floating paper”. .. "Floating paper" has clear irregularities on the surface and is called so because the pattern appears to float. The precision of the irregular edges and the three-dimensional appearance compared to embossing seen elsewhere results from our unique technique. The pigment on the surface not only gives a vibrant color, but also prevents fading due to lint and sun exposure . Another advantage is that shadows are created from irregularities and the appearance changes depending on the angle of light. At first glance, it doesn't look like Washi paper, but when you touch it, you can appreciate the texture of Japanese paper. It would be great if you could see this "floating paper" and know that traditional crafts can be used in modern life depending on how they are used. The high quality of materials supported by traditional Echizen Washi techniques and the many products with beautiful colors and patterns created by the original formulation add Japanese-style flowers to the obscure everyday landscape. We have received praise from domestic and foreign miscellaneous goods, interior and clothing enterprises, and we also receive orders