Methods of Paper-making (Kami-suki) |

There are some variety of Paper-making methods.

Nagashi-Zuki(流し漉き) is the most commonly-used method of Washi making.
The artisan scoops the fibre solution and shakes the mould intensely.
This method is effective for making strong paper, as the fibers bind together tightly, and also controlling the thickness easily.
It is the method of "Continuous Shake".

Jūmonji-Zuki(十文字漉き) is a variation style of Nagashi-Zuki.
The artisan well shakes the mould vertically and horizontally, the fibers become cross-bound tightly. Although this is not a widely-used method, it is a good method to make special strong paper.
It is the method of "Cross Shake".

Tame-Zuki(溜め漉き) is an old-style, slightly rare method of Washi making.
The artisan scoops the fibre solution from the vat and calmly wait for water to drain.
Commonly, the scooped paper is couched with a gauze cloth one sheet at a time.
It is the method of "Scoop and Stop".

Tome-Zuki(留め漉き) is the hybrid method of Tame-Zuki and Nagashi-Zuki, so it is called also Tame-Nagashi-Zuki.
The artisan scoops the fibre solution from the vat, then shakes the mould and waits for a while until the material drains.
It is the method of "Shake and Stop".

Subuse(簀伏せ) is a special rare method of Washi making..
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 the paper is not pressed, it becomes very fluffy, but the strength is still very high.
It is the method of "Shake and Direct Paste".

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, […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

Process: Ita-boshi (Wooden Board Drying)

In the past, artisans put Washi on wooden board for drying. This method was very much depending on weathers, and heavy tough work.Roughly since a hundred years ago, drying on the warmed metal panel has permeated in Japan, then it became quite popular nowadays.Though using the metal panel is convenient, […]

Process: Chiritori (Speck Removing)

Through the process of Washi making, artisans take most of the time, almost more than half, for speck removing. It is called “Chiri(塵=Speck/Dirt)-Tori(取り=Removing)”.Every artisan says “This is the most important process”. Not only to clean the material but also to understand the condition of the material. Even it is very […]

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