Among the many washi production areas in Japan, we visited the home of Echizen washi village, which boasts a long history of 1,500 years. The attendant was Mr. Hiroya Yamashita of Yamatsugi paper studio, who has been a good friend of our brand through exhibitions. amatsugi paper studio also has a long history, having been established in the first year of the Meiji Era. Using handmade paper and innovative ideas, they produce a variety of papers from traditional processing to those with unique textures.
At the amatsugi paper studio, where paper is made by hand, I had the opportunity to learn from Mr. Yamashita and try my hand at making paper. The process may look easy when you see it, but when you try it, it is difficult to even maintain a level surface, and you are swept away by the weight of the water and the current.
The more simple it looks, the smoother it is, and the more skillful it is.
When we put it on the machine slowly and let it dry, the result is totally different from the paper made by craftsmen.
After the experience, we visited the gallery where we were shown a variety of processed papers. Using the “watermarking technique” and the “UKIGAMI” created by Yamatsugi paper studio’s unique technology, there are products such as notebooks and tea cans that fit in with modern life. When I talk with Mr. Yamashita, he often talks about how to combine the “traditional” technique of making washi with “everyday” techniques and products.
We at SIKIGU are thinking about how we can connect the fun of printing and paper container technology to the industry of mass production. There are not many technologies that can be used for Japanese paper, but we hope to collaborate with them someday as colleagues in the search for a good landing place or new value for the paper industry.
Yamatsugu Paper Mills
29-5 Otaki-cho, Echizen-shi, Fukui 9150234
https://yamatsugi-seishi.com/
