About Washi Accessories
Since ancient times, washi has been used as a material for writing and drawing pictures, as well as for crafts such as tableware and stationery, taking advantage of its good workability, and for household items such as lighting and clothing, taking advantage of its lightness and strength. It has also been used to make toys such as origami and kites because it is a familiar material in daily life.
Washi was also an important material for festivals and as a form of prayer to the gods and Buddha, as people put their wishes and respect into the untainted whiteness of washi.
Throughout their long history, Japanese people have lived by making use of the characteristics of washi.
In order to create a new way of living with washi that is unprecedented, yet not uncomfortable, we have created accessories that can accompany people because of washi.I use a unique three-dimensional molding technique "Patent Pending (Patent Application 2022-092726)" that I developed through many trials and errors.
The main features are as follows.
- It's so light you'll forget you're wearing it.
- The tactile quality and rustic warmth of natural materials
- Can be used even when wet.
- Very durable and long-lasting.
- High degree of freedom in design
1. It's so light you'll forget you're wearing it.
2. The tactile quality and rustic warmth of natural materials
Each one is homemade with the blessings of nature with much time and effort.The color of this ball is unbleached, which is the color of the untreated Washi itself. The color is not pure white, but a natural raw color, just like natural pearls, and it blends well with anyone's skin. You will also feel the warmth and texture of washi.
It is a sustainable accessory that is friendly to both people and the earth.
3. Can be used even when wet.
No matter what the weather, you will feel the warmth of washi every time you wear it.
To care for the product, wipe it gently with a soft, dry cloth and let it dry naturally when it gets wet with water or rain, during the sweating season, or when it comes in direct contact with your skin for a long time. For heavily soiled areas, dampen a cloth and wipe with a light patting motion.As with other accessories, there is nothingparticularly difficult about Washi.
4. Very durable and long-lasting.
This is an enlarged image of an unbleached ball. Since it is made of 100% Kozo (paper mulberry), the long fibers are well intertwined and very strong.Even so, scratches and stains are bound to occur over time.However,, Washi accessories can be cared for and repaired for any scratches and stains.
Washi is also used in the restoration of paintings around the world. We have been involved in the reproduction and restoration of many old documents and paintings in temples and shrines, and we are ready to accept any kind of repair for your favorite accessory so that you can use it to the fullest for a long time.Repair methods vary depending on the frequency of use and how you use it. And since Japanese paper is a natural material, there is no fixed answer. Therefore, after checking the actual item, we will repair it in the best way to make it as good as new. Please feel free to consult with us about anything, no matter how trivial.
5. High degree of freedom in design
Washi accessories are made according to the four seasons unique to Japan, and are created by relying on the senses of the hands while making minor adjustments to the temperature and humidity on different days.
Another characteristic of washi is that it can be freely sized, shaped, dyed, and decorated.
Lastly...
All processes other than papermaking are done in the atelier in Kyoto.
The washi we use is made by meeting the artisans directly and having them make it for us.
We don't do papermaking because the artisans making paper is so beautiful and something that cannot be imitated. And because we are grateful to the craftsmen for keeping the tradition alive until now.
We add our hands to the washi, which the craftspeople make honestly and with excitement, and deliver it to the people who are excited to have it made again with a smile.We are looking for sustainable activities through accessories to continue the cycle of excitement for everyone involved.
And we will continue to take on the challenge of new possibilities in order to pass on the traditions and culture of washi while cherishing them.