Craft · No. 185
No. 185和紙
Sekishu Washi
石州和紙
sekishu washi · 島根県
Sekishu Washi is a hand-crafted Japanese paper produced in the western Shimane region (formerly Iwami Province). Made primarily from kozo (paper mulberry), it is prized for its exceptional strength, supple texture, and understated natural beauty, and is recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
- Origin
- 島根県
- Category
- 和紙
- Materials
- Washi paper · 楮 · トロロアオイ
- Designation
- Nat'l Traditional Craft
No. IHistory
The history of Sekishu Washi stretches back over a millennium, with records indicating that paper was already being offered as tribute from this regio…
No. IIMaterials
The primary raw material is kozo (paper mulberry), whose long, sturdy fibers yield paper of exceptional strength and durability. The inner bark is ste…
No. IIITechniques
Production begins with preparing the raw fiber: steamed kozo bark is soaked, cleaned of impurities, and beaten to loosen the fibers into a fine pulp.…
No. IVClimate
Western Shimane is crisscrossed by clear, cold streams fed by the Chugoku Mountains, providing ideal water for papermaking. The cool winter climate su…
