One of the materials commonly used for andon (floor lamp) and byobu (folding screen) is called “washi,” direct translation: “Japanese paper.”
Let us highlight the craft’s material this time.
In Japan, people distinguish two different kinds of paper: “washi”(Japanese paper) and “yoshi”(Western paper). Washi has been all handmade by washi craftsmen since the past till now; yoshi was first introduced from Europe about 130 years ago and has been manufacturing by machine. At that time before yoshi was introduced, there were much more washi craftsmen than now. Raw materials are also different. Washi uses hemp or ramie, whereas yoshi uses pulp.
Characteristics are also different. Washi’s fiber is much longer than that of yoshi, so that washi can be thinner with the same strength and has longer life. Due to this advantage, washi is widely used in the world as a material for restoration of cultural heritage, for banknotes, for crafts, etc. Recently, natural materials are getting more and more attention, and demand for interior designing is increasing. Washi receives higher reputation backed by these trends.
The process of making washi is, at first, mixing the raw material with water, then, filtering the material with net. This is a set of the process, and the rest is to repeat the set again and again. Gradually, the paper becomes thick and strong enough to a level that authentic washi requires.
Andon and byobu are such products that are made of washi as a material. I am sure you can feel the breath of craftsmanship from these items. Why do not you use them as an interior item in your house or room?
