Handmade Japanese papers

An amazing range of exquisite handmade papers, which could be used for a multitude of applications within interior design specification. There are certain manufacturing restraints - approx 1m x 3m is the sheet size, so to form large items like sliding screens the papers would need to join on timbers or other support.

Shoji Paper Making Process Traditional shoji paper (washi) production for your information

1. Steaming & Peeling the Mulberry Bark Japanese: 楮の蒸しと皮剥ぎ (Kōzo no Mushi to Kawahagi) Fresh kōzo (paper mulberry) branches are steamed to soften the bark. The outer layers are peeled away by hand, leaving the inner fibers used for paper.

2. Cleaning the Fibers Japanese: チリ取り (Chiritori) The fibers are washed in water and carefully checked. Small pieces of bark and impurities are removed to keep the paper clean and even.

3. Beating the Fibers Japanese: 楮叩き (Kōzo Uchi) The clean fibers are beaten with wooden mallets. This separates and softens them so they can bond together during papermaking.

4. Forming the Paper Sheets Japanese: 紙漉き (Kamisuki) The fibers are mixed with water and neri, a natural plant liquid that helps spread them evenly. A bamboo screen is dipped into the mixture to form a thin sheet.

5. Draining & Drying Japanese: 水切りと乾燥 (Mizukiri to Kansō) Excess water is removed from the sheet. The paper is brushed onto wooden boards or racks and dried slowly in air or sunlight.

6. Finishing Japanese: 仕上げ (Shiage) Once dry, the paper is carefully removed, trimmed, and checked. The finished shoji paper is light, strong, and softly translucent.

Shoji Paper (障子紙) Made from natural fibers, water, and traditional techniques, shoji paper filters light while maintaining privacy.

The papers below may not follow this process, the above is for information only

It has been used in Japanese interiors for centuries and remains valued for its simplicity and function.

Please contact Spencer Lane on 01531 630091 for more information