# Washi

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For other uses, see [Washi (disambiguation)](/source/Washi_(disambiguation)).

This article is about Japanese mulberry paper. For the general category, see [Mulberry paper](/source/Mulberry_paper).

***Washi*** (和紙) is traditional Japanese [paper](/source/Paper) processed by hand using fibers from the inner bark of the [gampi](/source/Gampi) tree, the [mitsumata](/source/Edgeworthia_chrysantha) shrub (*Edgeworthia chrysantha*), or the [paper mulberry](/source/Paper_mulberry) (*kōzo*) bush.[1] *Washi* is used in many traditional Japanese arts, such as [origami](/source/Origami), *[shodō](/source/Shod%C5%8D)*, and *[ukiyo-e](/source/Ukiyo-e)*. It was traditionally used to make various everyday goods like clothes, household goods, and toys, as well as vestments and ritual objects for [Shinto](/source/Shinto) priests and statues of [Buddhas](/source/Buddharupa). It was even used to make [wreaths](/source/Wreath) that were given to winners in the [1998 Winter Paralympics](/source/1998_Winter_Paralympics). As a [Japanese craft](/source/Japanese_craft), it is registered as a UNESCO [intangible cultural heritage](/source/Intangible_cultural_heritage).[2]

Because it is usually tougher than Western paper made from [wood pulp](/source/Wood_pulp), *washi* is often used to repair historically valuable cultural properties, paintings, and books at museums and libraries around the world, such as the [Louvre](/source/Louvre) and the [Vatican Museums](/source/Vatican_Museums), because of its thinness, pliability, durability over 1000 years due to its low impurities, and high workability to remove it cleanly with moisture.[3][4][5]

## History

By the 7th century, paper had been introduced to Japan from China via the Korean Peninsula, and the Japanese developed washi by improving the method of making paper in the [Heian period](/source/Heian_period). The paper making technique developed in Japan around 805 to 809 was called *nagashi-suki* (流し漉き), a method of adding [mucilage](/source/Mucilage) to the process of the conventional *tame-suki* (溜め漉き) technique to form a stronger layer of paper fibers.[6][7][8][9] The improved washi came to be used to decorate religious ceremonies such as *[gohei](/source/Gohei)*, *ōnusa* ([大麻 (神道)](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E5%A4%A7%E9%BA%BB_(%E7%A5%9E%E9%81%93))), and *[shide](/source/Shide_(Shinto))* at [Shinto shrines](/source/Shinto_shrines),[6] and in the Heian period, washi covered with gold and silver leaf beautifully decorated books such as *[Kokin Wakashu](/source/Kokin_Wakashu)*.[8]

In the [Muromachi period](/source/Muromachi_period), washi came to be used as [ceremonial origami](/source/Origami#Ceremonial_origami_(origata)) for [samurai](/source/Samurai) class at weddings and when giving gifts,[6] and from the [Sengoku period](/source/Sengoku_period) to the [Edo period](/source/Edo_period), [recreational origami](/source/Origami#Recreational_origami) such as [orizuru](/source/Orizuru) developed.[10] During the Edo period, many books and [ukiyo-e](/source/Ukiyo-e) prints for the masses made of washi were published using [woodblock printing](/source/Woodblock_printing_in_Japan).[11]

## Manufacture

*Washi* is produced in a way similar to that of ordinary paper, but relies heavily on manual methods. It involves a long and intricate process that is often undertaken in the cold weather of winter, as pure, cold running water is essential to the production of washi. Cold inhibits [bacteria](/source/Bacteria), preventing the decomposition of the [fibres](/source/Fibre). Cold also makes the fibres contract, producing a crisp feel to the paper. It is traditionally the winter work of farmers, a task that supplemented a farmer's income.

[Paper mulberry](/source/Paper_mulberry) is the most commonly used fiber in making Japanese paper. The mulberry branches are boiled and stripped of their outer bark, and then dried. The fibers are then boiled with [lye](/source/Lye) to remove the [starch](/source/Starch), [fat](/source/Fat) and [tannin](/source/Tannin), and then placed in running water to remove the spent lye. The fibers are then [bleached](/source/Bleach) (either with chemicals or naturally, by placing it in a protected area of a stream) and any remaining impurities in the fibers are picked out by hand. The product is laid on a rock or board and beaten.

Wet balls of pulp are mixed in a vat with water and a formation aid to help keep the long fibers spread evenly. This is traditionally *neri*, which is a [mucilaginous](/source/Mucilaginous) material made from the roots of the [tororo aoi plant](/source/Abelmoschus_manihot), or PEO, [polyethylene oxide](/source/Polyethylene_oxide). One of two traditional methods of paper making (nagashi-zuki or tame-zuki) is employed. In both methods, pulp is scooped onto a screen and shaken to spread the fibers evenly. Nagashi-zuki (which uses neri in the vat) produces a thinner paper, while tame-zuki (which does not use neri) produces a thicker paper.

## Types

See also: [List of washi](/source/List_of_washi)

With enough processing, almost any grass or tree can be made into a washi. Gampi, mitsumata, and paper mulberry are three popular sources.[1]

- Ganpishi (雁皮紙): In ancient times, it was called *Hishi* (斐紙). Ganpishi has a smooth, shiny surface and is used for books and crafts.
- [Kōzogami](/source/K%C5%8Dzogami) (楮紙): Kōzogami is made from paper mulberry and is the most widely made type of washi. It has a toughness closer to cloth than to ordinary paper and does not weaken significantly when treated to be water-resistant.
- Mitsumatagami (三椏紙): Made from *[mitsumata](/source/Edgeworthia_chrysantha)*, mitsumatagami has an ivory-colored, fine surface and is used for [shodō](/source/Japanese_calligraphy) as well as printing. It has been used to print paper money since the [Meiji period](/source/Meiji_period) and continues to be used today.[12]

## Use, applications

In a [washitsu](/source/Washitsu) (traditional Japanese room), the paper used—whether in the past or in the present—is essentially all washi, traditional Japanese paper, including the paper on [shōji](/source/Sh%C5%8Dji)([障子](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E9%9A%9C%E5%AD%90)) and [fusuma](/source/Fusuma)([襖](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%A5%96)) sliding doors, the paper on [andon](/source/Traditional_lighting_equipment_of_Japan#Andon) lanterns, the paper of kake-jiku ([掛軸](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%8E%9B%E8%BB%B8), [hanging scrolls](/source/Hanging_scroll)), and the [kaishi](/source/Japanese_tea_utensils#kaishi) ([懐紙](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%87%90%E7%B4%99)) used in [tea ceremonies](/source/Japanese_tea_ceremony)([茶道](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E8%8C%B6%E9%81%93)).

In Japanese suibokuga([水墨画](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%B0%B4%E5%A2%A8%E7%94%BB)), sumi-e (墨絵, ink painting), [ukiyo-e](/source/Ukiyo-e) and [nihonga](/source/Nihonga) (traditional Japanese painting), washi is still used even today.

In Japanese calligraphy (shodō, [書道](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%9B%B8%E9%81%93)), washi is still widely used today.

*Washi* is also used in [watch](/source/Watch) dials.[13]

## Misnomer: "Rice paper"

The traditional Japanese paper washi is often mistranslated or mislabeled in English as “rice paper,”[14] a term that has caused misunderstanding in English-speaking countries.

By contrast, in other languages and cultural contexts—such as French—washi is properly referred to as “[papier Japon](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Washi),” terms that more accurately convey its identity as Japanese paper without implying an incorrect ingredient.[tone][citation needed]

## See also

- [Ukiyo-e](/source/Ukiyo-e)
- [kaishi](/source/Kaishi)([懐紙](https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E6%87%90%E7%B4%99))
- [Japanese tissue](/source/Japanese_tissue)
- [List of Traditional Crafts of Japan](/source/List_of_Traditional_Crafts_of_Japan)
- *[Genkō yōshi](/source/Genk%C5%8D_y%C5%8Dshi)*
- [Sir Harry Parkes](/source/Sir_Harry_Parkes)
- [Tissue paper](/source/Tissue_paper)

## References

1. Hughes, Sukey (1978). *Washi: the world of Japanese paper*. Tokyo: Kodansha International. ISBN 0-87011-318-6.

1. ["Government, paper makers welcome addition of 'washi' to UNESCO list"](https://web.archive.org/web/20170113044405/http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/11/27/national/japanese-handmade-washi-paper-added-unesco-intangible-heritage-list/). 27 November 2014. Archived from [the original](http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/11/27/national/japanese-handmade-washi-paper-added-unesco-intangible-heritage-list/) on 13 January 2017. Retrieved 27 November 2014.

1. ["Paper conservation by using Japanese paper, washi"](https://www.ifla.org/paper-conservation-by-using-japanese-paper-washi/). [International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions](/source/International_Federation_of_Library_Associations_and_Institutions). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220209044238/https://www.ifla.org/paper-conservation-by-using-japanese-paper-washi/) 9 February 2022 at the Wayback Machine.

1. ["The elegant and refined world of washi"](https://www.toki.tokyo/blogt/2015/8/30/the-elegant-and-refined-world-of-washi). Toki. 30 August 2015. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20170406142315/https://www.toki.tokyo/blogt/2015/8/30/the-elegant-and-refined-world-of-washi) 6 April 2017 at the Wayback Machine.

1. ["Washi paper in Mino"](https://www.ana-cooljapan.com/destinations/gifu/washipaperinmino). ANA. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20220405001246/https://www.ana-cooljapan.com/destinations/gifu/washipaperinmino) 5 April 2022 at the Wayback Machine.

1. ["ja:折り紙の歴史と現在: 前史"](https://guides.lib.kyushu-u.ac.jp/origami/prologue) (in Japanese). [Kyushu University](/source/Kyushu_University) Library. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210507223620/https://guides.lib.kyushu-u.ac.jp/origami/prologue) 7 May 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 14 November 2022.

1. ["ja:おりがみの歴史 (History of origami)"](https://www.origami-noa.jp/%E3%81%8A%E3%82%8A%E3%81%8C%E3%81%BF%E3%81%AB%E3%81%A4%E3%81%84%E3%81%A6/%E3%81%8A%E3%82%8A%E3%81%8C%E3%81%BF%E3%81%AE%E6%AD%B4%E5%8F%B2/) (in Japanese). Nippon Origami Association. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221114074031/https://www.origami-noa.jp/%E3%81%8A%E3%82%8A%E3%81%8C%E3%81%BF%E3%81%AB%E3%81%A4%E3%81%84%E3%81%A6/%E3%81%8A%E3%82%8A%E3%81%8C%E3%81%BF%E3%81%AE%E6%AD%B4%E5%8F%B2/) 14 November 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 14 November 2022.

1. ["ja:第1章 折り紙の姿"](https://pub.nikkan.co.jp/uploads/book/pdf_file5c91891586da8.pdf) (in Japanese). [Nikkan Kogyo Shimbun](/source/Nikkan_Kogyo_Shimbun). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221125225800/https://pub.nikkan.co.jp/uploads/book/pdf_file5c91891586da8.pdf) 25 November 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 25 November 2022.

1. ["ja:流し漉き"](https://kotobank.jp/word/%E6%B5%81%E3%81%97%E6%BC%89%E3%81%8D-587757) (in Japanese). Kotobank./Digitalio, Inc./[The Asahi Shimbun](/source/The_Asahi_Shimbun). [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20221125225744/https://kotobank.jp/word/%E6%B5%81%E3%81%97%E6%BC%89%E3%81%8D-587757) 25 November 2022 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 25 November 2022.

1. ["ja:折り紙の歴史と現在: 戦国～江戸中期"](https://guides.lib.kyushu-u.ac.jp/origami/-mid18C) (in Japanese). Kyushu University Library. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20210507224948/https://guides.lib.kyushu-u.ac.jp/origami/-mid18C) 7 May 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 14 November 2022.

1. ["Edo Picture Books and the Edo Period."](https://www.kodomo.go.jp/gallery/edoehon/era/index_e.html). National Diet Library. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20201019205019/https://www.kodomo.go.jp/gallery/edoehon/era/index_e.html) 19 October 2020 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 26 November 2022.

1. Yeung, Jessie; Montgomery, Hanako; Ogura, Junko (2024-07-03). ["How Japan's newest yen note came from the Nepali mountains"](https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/02/business/japan-yen-note-nepal-paperbush-intl-hnk/index.html). CNN. Retrieved 2024-08-16.

1. ["Review: Enter the dragon: The Citizen AQ 4020-54Y. Best quartz watch in the world?"](https://deployant.com/review-enter-the-dragon-the-citizen-aq-4020-54y-best-quartz-watch-in-the-world/). *Deployant*. 10 May 2018. Retrieved 2 September 2022.

1. Angle, Mary (2025-06-13). ["Explore the Timeless Connection Between Washi and Botany"](https://arboretum.psu.edu/about/news/explore-the-timeless-connection-between-washi-and-botany/). The Arboretum at Penn State.

## Further reading

- Fukushima, Kurio (1991). *Handbook on the Art of Washi*. All Japan Handmade Washi Association.

## External links

- [Washi](http://iweb.tntech.edu/cventura/Washi.htm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20120407092145/http://iweb.tntech.edu/cventura/Washi.htm) 2012-04-07 at the Wayback Machine

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