Washi maintains a uniqueness and beauty derived from the intrinsic strength and luster of the 3 main Japanese bast-plant fibers used in this centuries-old art form: Kozo (Japanese paper mulberry), Gampi and Mitusmata (both related to the Daphne plant). The inner bark of all 3 of these long, bast-plant fibers create exceptionally strong, durable paper with different textures, colors, and finishes based on the fiber mix and the papermaker. Moreover, they produce papers impervious to insects, with low-lignin (low-acid) content, which assures them a very long life.
There are so many uses for acid-free, handmade papers: Fine arts, such as printmaking, painting, photography, conservation of books and fine arts, bookbinding, lighting, home furnishings, merchandise displays, stationery, and all other paper crafts.
Paper Connection has over 2,000 different papers in stock. Our large selection includes a full spectrum of colors, weights and textures. We are well-known for the widest and most unique selection of plain, fine art Japanese papers in North America. We stock dozens of white and natural papers in sheets and rolls mainly produced in Asian countries.
Echizen Washi
The Echizen (now called Fukui) area of Japan is famous for the development of two Japanese fine art papers: Torinoko and Hosho; we stock both. Included in this collection:
#1 Hosho White is traditionally used for woodblock printing, however, it can be used for any kind of relief printing, and any kind of painting or drawing method. It is handmade and sized.
Mino Washi
Mino paper, comes from Gifu Prefecture known for four centuries for its perfect, white handmade paper, made fromthe finest and cleanest kozo pulp. Our new line of papers is a modern take on the old tradition. They are versatile and extremely well-priced. Included in this collection:
#2 Mitsumata Unryu HW paper has shiny long fibers embedded in it, yet has a smooth surface. This paper can be special ordered in 2 thinner weights.
#7 Washi Sized Natural LW; Try printing on it first and then making a lampshade or back-lit panel; just beautiful! This paper can be special ordered in a heavier weight.
#8 Kozo White Brushed Surface HW is a very quick seller due to its low price and textured, handmade look. This paper can be special ordered in 2 thinner weights.
#9 Moon Peach MW looks great as a lampshade, in addition to all its other uses. This paper can be special ordered in both a lighter and it is stocked in a heavier sized version.
All 4 papers above are inkjet compatible, great for drawing, painting, and for box and book covers or liners.
Tosa Washi
Tosa refers to products made in Kochi Prefecture in Japan, located on the island of Shikoku. Papermakers throughout Kochi developed their own “specialty papers”. Each sheet bears the signature of the papermaker, even though it might be a plain, white sheet. Much of this is due to the availability of the different base fibers, the quality of fresh water, and the specific preferences of the papermaker.
Included in this collection:
#3 Kozo White 31 & #15 Kozo Natural 21.5 These both take dye perfectly for folding & dyeing methods, relief printmaking, giclées, and chine collé.
#4 Hakudoshi Oba has a highly-textured, cream-colored rough top surface and a smooth backing. A unique ground for pastel and oil crayon drawings, acrylic or oil paintings. Traditionally used for Japanese wallpaper.
#5 Mingei Unryu White is a smoother paper than #4, but also makes a beautiful wall-covering. It works well for watercolor, drawing, lithography, even offset thermography. Mingei Unryu is also stocked in pale yellow, green, brown, maroon and navy.
#10 Kumohada Unryu; “Kumohada” literally translates to “cloud skin”. Like #4 & #5, it can be used for wallcoverings ,and has tested successfully for watercolor, drawing, letterpress, inkjet and offset printing. Kumohada Unryu is stocked in 5 additional off-white tones. #11 & 12 are handmade Japanese Kozo Papers and #13 & #15 are the machine-made versions. In varying weights these fine art papers are traditionally known for relief printing, but are used in the West for watercolor and acrylic painting, for backing artwork, book pages, and of course, work in inkjet or laser printers, with no problem.
#16 Chiri Natural paper with kozo bark flecks can be used for absolutely any of the above. We often sell it to beused for lampshades, wallpaper, even furniture and floor decoration. The price is incredible!
Xuan (pronounced “shwen”) Papers
Traditional types of paper are still being handmade in China even with mechanization and mass production bringing so much change. Their handmade paper is typically used for painting and calligraphy practice, and is primarily made from blue sandalwood, dragon whisker grass and other bast-plant fibers not found in the west.
We have included one Xuan in this collection:
#6 Clean Bark Xuan 30 Although known for brushstroke painting and Asian style calligraphy, this paper can be used for relief printing, and even in a laser printer! It also works well for book pages or as backing paper for fabrics or other papers. This paper is 100% made by hand; it takes two people to wield the large papermaking screen. Several layers are couched together to give it some weight. Each layer is laid in the opposite direction of the grain from the previous, resulting in “checkered” pattern laid-lines.