Washi

‘Washi’ is a style of paper that was first made in Japan. Washi is commonly made using fibres from the bark of the gampi tree, the mitsumata shrub, or the paper mulberry, but also can be made using bamboo, hemp, rice, and wheat. The word “washi” comes from wa ‘Japanese’ and shi ‘paper’, and the term is used to describe paper made by hand in the traditional manner. Each sheet of paper takes months to make and the washi paper is made especially for us in an artisanal fashion by a husband and wife team based in Tokyo. We have tested and perfected the strength of the Washi paper to withstand staining and heavy use and this has been done over a period exceeding one and a half years. Washi is deceptively strong when compared to ordinary paper made from wood pulp, and is used in many traditional arts. Washi paper is also well known for its absorbency (resulting in a denser and more vibrant colour of fabric), lightness (it weighs much less than other papers), it’s low acidity and flexibility (there is no grain to washi giving the paper a resistance to creasing, wrinkling and tearing). This collection combines traditional Washi and genuine Italian leather skilfully crafted together to make this unique collection.