Japanese paper "Washi"

 Japan has traditional paper which is called “Washi”. Washi is a long lasting than ordinary paper by long fiber that make up it. Many books written on Washi are still from more than thousand years ago.

It has long history. Its origin was in China. In 610, the paper technology was introduced from Goguryeo that is one of ancient Korean country. The technology was used for coping Buddhist manuscript. (There is different view that it was introduced in 4 or 5 century in form of book.)

Washi has been used for not only writing but also various purposes. Japanese old umbrella, Husuma, Shouji and Chouchin are made up by Wasi.    Why Japanese people use paper like this? First reason is strength of Wasi.  We simply think that paper is weak and flammable, it isn’t suitable for parts of house, umbrella and surrounding fire. But Wasi is made of strong fiber and reinforced with glue so that become hard and can resist moisture and heat. Second reason is its beauty. Japanese in old age liked the white color of paper. They regarded the white as symbol of innocent and purity. High status people liked using white paper as furnishing. Now, the whiteness of Wasi is inferior to modern paper. But shadowy light through Wasi has beauty which hasn’t something similar and Japanese like it.

　Thanks for Wasi, calligraphy has developed in Japan. Writing become art  precisely because with brush. Wasi’s water retaining capacity enable to write with brush. Japanese traditional culture has strong relationship with Wasi.