和紙 WASHI
From november 2014 the Japanese Art of paper manufacturing was included from UNESCO into the Oral and Intangible Heritages of Humanity. Acknowledged in this list are Washi from Sekishuban variety of Shimane prefecture, those from Mino of Gifu prefecture and those of Hosakawa of Saitama prefecture.
History
Washi paper (Wa 和 for Japan e Shi 紙 for paper) was introduced in Japan in the VII century A.D. For over 1000 years this kind of handmade paper was the only oneused in Japan. In some regions whole villages made a living from papermaking and some of them became famous for the excellent quality of their production.
Via della Carta di Misa Nagata presents you a wide variety of fine papers, rare and quality objects and chancellery, all rigorously MADE IN JAPAN, to transform the usual daily life into unique and particular activities, breathing a small piece of Japan.
We offer a wide selection of fine Washi papers, suitable for both photographic printing and as furnishing or hobby complement. We also present rare objects made exclusively by hand and using fine varieties of Washi, ending with a small roundup of very special and quality chancellery items!
All rigorously MADE IN JAPAN!
About me
My name is Misa, I was born in Kobe and raised in Osaka, Japan. I have been living in Italy for about 20 years, since I still didn't know a word of Italian and I survived with 2 dictionaries…
For all these years I have had the desire to make Japan and its most typical products known here in Italy. Via della carta was born to realize my aspiration of all time.
Why PAPER… It all starts casually, with an occasional visit to a WASHI shop in Kyoto. It fascinated me and pushed me to learn more about this type of paper. Shortly after I started browsing and studying the WASHI paper…
Thus I discovered an unknown world all to be explored. At the same time I fell in love with the workmanship, the technique and above all the versatility it offers.
Vision
To be internationally recognized as a reference company for fine paper, in particular WASHI, objects created with it and rare and quality chancellery. My goal is to make known and used a material of particular quality / workmanship to those who want to enhance their creativity, professionalism and personality.
Mission
Be an inspiration for people who want innovative materials, thus satisfying their inventiveness.
I aim to attract the attention of the people with whom we integrate on experiences other than the usual ones to transform them into unique and particular activities.
Introducing
Via della Carta
| What is washi paper? | The word washi is made up of wa (和), "japanese", and shi (紙), "paper". It therefore refers to Japanese paper made by hand according to the traditional method, derived from ancient Chinese art. Washi paper boasts over 1000 years of history and is produced using only specific materials and methods of the various production locations. |
| Particular characteristics? | Particular characteristics are durability, strength, softness and production methods, which gives various types of textures, thicknesses and shine. Since November 2014 it has been included among the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity of UNESCO. |
| How is it produced? | The main characteristics of washi paper derive from the particular production process. By using a sieve frame, by making water flow inside it, it is possible to stratify the fibers several times, in order to increase their resistance. The manufacturing process is therefore linked to an ancient ritual, which has been handed down for countless years. Traditionally it is produced using vegetable fibers from local deciduous shrubs, characterized by their particular length, strength and brightness. Since no chemical agents are used in its production, it is a highly eco-sustainable paper. |
| Difference between washi paper and western paper? | The main difference is in the materials: washi paper uses fibers extracted from the plant, in some cases without any use of chemical additives during the manufacturing process. Western paper, on the other hand, uses cellulose by mixing it with various fibrous materials (hemicellulose and lignin), with the addition of adhesives, mineral fillers, dyes and other additives. The other difference is the strength, because the fibers that are used for washi paper are much longer than those of cellulose and this results in a denser and therefore more robust texture. |
| Is it lasting? | Documents dating back over 1000 years have been found, with a remarkable state of conservation in relation to age; this shows that washi can last over 1000 years, certainly a much longer duration than Western paper, and is comparable to Egyptian, Greek and Roman papyri. The only precautions to maximize its duration are storage in a dry place away from direct sources of light. |
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Via della Carta
info@viadellacarta.com