The 'Three Whites' of Shiroishi
Washi, Japanese paper
Guest edited by Eleanor Burkett
“Even against the glittering snow of Mount Zao, how white is the pure paper of Shiroishi” ––Papermaking song by Tadao Endo
Handmade Japanese paper, washi, speaks of the rhythm of the seasons, the water, the geography, and the history of an area. It is formed through a combination of natural factors and bears the imprint of processes which have remained largely unchanged over the years. A papermaking industry developed as the winter occupation of the farming community and thrived during the Edo period (1603-1868). As well as within traditional architecture, washi was used for umbrellas, fans, lanterns, calligraphy, and woodblock printing; it was twisted into a cord, moulded and lacquered to make hats and boxes, and used as material for garments. Although lifestyles have changed and papermaking is declining rapidly, washi continues to be respected and valued and is central to an appreciation of Japanese culture.
Image: Cut paper from Shiroishi Photo © Kazuko Sato.
Image above: Cut paper from Shiroishi Photo © Kazuko Sato.
The area known today as the Tohoku region was named Michinoku in the mid-seventh century, translating literally to “the end of the road” or, more poetically, the “deep north.” Michinoku-gami, paper from Michinoku, was prized for its softness, strength, and beauty. Shiroishi, a small city at the foot of Mt. Zao, located about 30 km from Fukushima, was once renowned as a centre for this high-quality paper. Washi, along with umen noodles and kuzu starch, were known as “The Three Whites” of Shiroishi, and the production of shifu and kamiko from Shiroishi washi is the focus for this piece.
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Guest edited by Eleanor Burkett
“Even against the glittering snow of Mount Zao, how white is the pure paper of Shiroishi” ––Papermaking song by Tadao Endo
Handmade Japanese paper, washi, speaks of the rhythm of the seasons, the water, the geography, and the history of an area. It is formed through a combination of natural factors and bears the imprint of processes which have remained largely unchanged over the years. A papermaking industry developed as the winter occupation of the farming community and thrived during the Edo period (1603-1868). As well as within traditional architecture, washi was used for umbrellas, fans, lanterns, calligraphy, and woodblock printing; it was twisted into a cord, moulded and lacquered to make hats and boxes, and used as material for garments. Although lifestyles have changed and papermaking is declining rapidly, washi continues to be respected and valued and is central to an appreciation of Japanese culture.
Image above: Cut paper from Shiroishi Photo © Kazuko Sato.
The area known today as the Tohoku region was named Michinoku in the mid-seventh century, translating literally to “the end of the road” or, more poetically, the “deep north.” Michinoku-gami, paper from Michinoku, was prized for its softness, strength, and beauty. Shiroishi, a small city at the foot of Mt. Zao, located about 30 km from Fukushima, was once renowned as a centre for this high-quality paper. Washi, along with umen noodles and kuzu starch, were known as “The Three Whites” of Shiroishi, and the production of shifu and kamiko from Shiroishi washi is the focus for this piece.
Want to read more of this article?
We are proud to be a subscriber-funded publication with members in 185 countries. We know our readership is passionate about textiles, so we invite you to help us preserve and promote the stories, memories, and histories that fabric holds. Your support allows us to publish our magazine, and also ‘what's on’ information, and subscription interviews, reviews, and long-read articles in our online blog.
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? CLICK HERE TO ACCESS CONTENT
OR...to continue reading….
*Magazine subscribers automatically get free access to all our online content. We send the access code by email with the publication of each issue. You will also find it on the envelope containing your magazine. Please note the access code changes every issue.*