Process: Tame-zuki (Kami-suki #2)

Tame-zuki(溜め漉き) is an old-style, slightly rare method of Washi making. It is similar to the papermaking methods used outside of Japan. "Tame" means "Collecting", and in this case refers to the material, fibre solution. The artisan doesn't intensely shake the mould (Sugeta). They just scoop the fibre solution from the vat and calmly wait for water to drain. This method is effective for a special paper that contains clay, because the method without well-shaking like this, it easily makes uneven and pin-hole. the clay works as the filler. Commonly, the scooped paper is couched with a gauze cloth one sheet at a time. The screen is set into a mould, which is separated in two parts for easy handling, rather than being hinged as in other papermaking methods. Najio is a famous Washi style that has been made using this method for generations. It is also used widely for making very thick paper, like postcards and name cards.

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Process: Nagashi-zuki (Kami-suki #1)

Nagashi-Zuki (流し漉き) is the most commonly-used method of Washi making. It was developed roughly 1,000 years ago. In this method, an artisan shakes the mould (sugeta) intensely. The manner of shaking horizontally and vertically depends on the kind of paper being made. This method is effective for making strong paper, […]

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Process: Subuse (Kami-suki #4)

Subuse is a special rare method of Washi making, inherited by only two workshops in Yoshino. The artisan scoops the fibre solution with the mould and shakes it, then immediately pastes it on a wooden board directly, skipping the paper layering phase. Because many boards are required, and carrying them […]

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Process: Tome-zuki (Kami-suki #3)

Tome-Zuki is the hybrid method of Tame-zuki and Nagashi-zuki, so it is called also Tame-Nagashi-Zuki. ”Tome” means “Keeping” or “Stopping”. The artisan scoops the fibre solution from the vat, then shakes the mould and waits for a while until the material drains. The timing is not strictly defined, and only […]

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Process: Tame-zuki (Kami-suki #2)

Tame-zuki(溜め漉き) is an old-style, slightly rare method of Washi making. It is similar to the papermaking methods used outside of Japan. “Tame” means “Collecting”, and in this case refers to the material, fibre solution. The artisan doesn’t intensely shake the mould (Sugeta). They just scoop the fibre solution from the vat […]

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NJ-02 Tanitoku Seishisho

In history, only five artisans were certified as the living national treasure of Washi. Mr Tanino Takenobu is one of them. Although he retired in 2017 because of his health issue, his son Masanobu took over the workshop keeps making Maniai-gami (間似合紙). “Maniai” means “Suitable”. The paper can be used […]

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NJ-01 Baba Seishisho

Mr Baba Kazuhiko is the last artisan, who makes Gold-Leaf beating paper. Recently, most of the Gold-Leaf makers use glassine paper, very few makers still inherit their historic process of using the traditional paper. For such old-fashioned makers, he keeps making the paper. Even its purpose is very special narrow, […]

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