Katazome-shi 046"Katazome shi" literally means stencil dyed papers. Using traditional kimono printing techniques, these elegant bold patterned papers were developed in Kyoto during the 20th century by an inspired soul. Using persimmon dyed kozo as the stencils, and aided by paste and "Kojiro" (soy bean juice), the pigments absorb deeply into the paper to produce long lasting colour and the unmistakable look of a print truly made by hand. While beautiful and

and certainly each batch of handmade papers will have slight variations in weight

Each sheet is formed

or mitsumata fibres

Depending on its use

was developed in Japan during the Edo Period (1603-1867)

The kozo fibre is an unusually long and durable fibre and contributes to the strength of these seemingly delicate papers

To learn more about how Katazome-shi is made

5” x 11” hand cut sample section

handmade translucent kozo papers you will understand why

making them ideal for covering books and boxes

thick and strong

A father and son make our Akebono papers in the traditional way in a small Japanese village