NIHON ICHIBAN  | Japan's Best to You
NIHON ICHIBAN  | Japan's Best to You
NIHON ICHIBAN  | Japan's Best to You

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WASHI (和紙) - Japanese Paper

‘Washi’ is the general term for handmade paper made with Japanese techniques, literally meaning ‘Wa’, Japanese and ‘Shi’, paper. Whereas paper making in Japan started during the Nara period (710 to 794 B.C.), the craft only started to flourish during the Edo period (1603 and 1868).

 

One thing that makes Washi and its production process unique, is the lack of chemicals used. Although special and customized Washi can be made from hemp, rice, bamboo or wheat, it is mostly made with the bark of ‘Gampi’, ‘Mitsumata’ or ‘Kozo’ trees - depending on the local natural resources of the place it's produced in. Most Washi is made during the winter, when paper pulp and cold running water, which are both needed for the production of Washi, are abundant in Japan’s rich nature. The cold water aids the resistance of bacteria that might spoil the paper. As a result, Washi is often stronger and more durable than other types of paper. Washi is recognized by UNESCO as an intangible, cultural heritage craft.  


The most famous type of washi, ‘Mino’ Washi, is regarded as the highest quality washi, due to its thinness and toughness. It was first made in Gifu prefecture, which with its clear rivers provides an excellent production environment. The productions process and lengthy in very complex - but the Gifu craftsmen with centuries of experience are able to smoothly turn the raw products in to beautiful, durable art works.  Washi from more than 1000 years old has been found still in good condition!  

Due to the lack of chemicals in the product, it is easy to use- and reuse. You can create your own motif in washi by carefully tearing its natural texture, or by using scissors or a cutter to create small tears. Furthermore, due to its translucency and ability to soften direct (sun) light, they are perfect for Japanese paper doors, lanterns and traditional umbrellas. 


Washi is a strong, durable and unique Japanese product that can be used by itself or as a part of many different unique creations!    

A piece of natural Washi paper is 100% natural organic and handcrafted. It is sustainable, waste-free and eco-friendly as it does not use any chemicals.

IEDA Paper Craft

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Producing fine handmade Washi paper for over 128 years, this family business' motto is: "No matter how beautiful a piece of paper is, it has no value unless it can find a meaning and purpose in people’s daily life". They craft traditional washi that fit in modern people's lives. 

Learn more

Featured Products

  • IEDA Mino Washi Reusable Window Decoration, "SYMPHONY " Floral and Animal pattern

    Regular Price:$131.65

    $131.65
    Add to Cart
  • IEDA Mino Washi Reusable Window Decoration, "Shippo" Seven Treasures pattern

    Regular Price:$62.89

    $62.89
    Add to Cart
  • IEDA Mino Washi Paper Mobile Winter Decoration

    Regular Price:$9.22

    $9.22
    View Details
    • black

    IEDA Mino Washi Handmade Paper Earrings - BLACK Campanule (short or long)

    Regular Price:$54.50

    $54.50
    View Details
    • pink
    • orange
    • purple
    • blue

    IEDA Mino Washi Handmade Paper Earrings - Campanule (short)

    Regular Price:$50.31

    $50.31
    View Details
  • IEDA Mino Washi Handmade Paper Earrings - Campanule (long)

    Starting at: $62.89

    Price as configured: $62.89

    View Details
  • IEDA Mino Washi Handmade Paper Earrings - nobana (long or short)

    Regular Price:$35.22

    $35.22
    View Details
  • IEDA Mino Washi Handmade Paper Earrings - nobana 3 flowers

    Regular Price:$41.93

    $41.93
    Add to Cart
  • IEDA Mino Washi Handmade Folding Hand Fan - 5 Snowflakes

    Regular Price:$125.78

    $125.78
    Add to Cart
  • IEDA Mino Washi Handmade Folding Hand Fan - 3 Snowflakes

    Regular Price:$125.78

    $125.78
    Add to Cart
    • blue
    • pink

    IEDA Mino Washi Reusable Window Decoration, SET 3 SS Snowflakes Flakes "Colorful"

    Regular Price:$4.61

    $4.61
    View Details
    • dark green
    • light green
    • yellow

    hconcept Japanese Hand fan shaped like a leaf, "Ha" Uchiwa

    Regular Price:$6.71

    $6.71
    View Details
  • BENRIDO COLLOTYPE Traditional folding fan, The Pine Trees

    Regular Price:$25.16

    $25.16
    Add to Cart
  • BENRIDO COLLOTYPE Traditional folding fan, "Unryu-zu" Dragon

    Regular Price:$25.16

    $25.16
    Add to Cart
  • BENRIDO COLLOTYPE Traditional folding fan, Birds and Four Seasons

    Regular Price:$25.16

    $25.16
    Add to Cart
  • IEDA Mino Washi Handmade Paper Origami, Sakura

    Regular Price:$12.16

    $12.16
    Add to Cart
  • IEDA Mino Washi Handmade Paper Origami, Small Chrysanthemum

    Regular Price:$5.03

    $5.03
    Add to Cart
  • IEDA Mino Washi Handmade Paper Origami, Shibori Bright

    Regular Price:$5.03

    $5.03
    Add to Cart
  • IEDA Mino Washi Handmade Paper Origami, Shibori Pastel

    Regular Price:$5.03

    $5.03
    Add to Cart
  • IEDA Mino Washi Handmade Paper Origami, Pastel Stripes

    Regular Price:$5.03

    $5.03
    Add to Cart
  • IEDA Mino Washi Handmade Folding Hand Fan - Sakura

    Regular Price:$125.78

    $125.78
    Add to Cart
  • IEDA Mino Washi Luxury Origami Memo Pads

    Regular Price:$4.19

    $4.19
    View Details
  • IEDA Mino Washi Reusable Window Decoration ORIGAMI designs

    Starting at: $7.55

    Price as configured: $7.55

    View Details
  • IEDA Mino Washi Reusable Window Decoration, SET 5 SSS Snowflakes Flakes

    Regular Price:$4.61

    $4.61
    Add to Cart

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