Katazome-shi 006"Katazome shi" literally means stencil dyed papers. Using traditional kimono printing techniques, these elegant bold patterned papers were developed in Kyoto during the 20th century by an inspired soul. Using persimmon dyed kozo as the stencils, and aided by paste and "Kojiro" (soy bean juice), the pigments absorb deeply into the paper to produce long lasting colour and the unmistakable look of a print truly made by hand. While beautiful and

Using traditional kimono-printing techniques

or mitsumata fibres

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and colour

Many of the patterns contain highly symbolic imagery

handmade paper

it is reminiscent of ice on a frozen pond

5 x 11" hand cut sample of this paper is available

soft and versatile decorative paper ideal for many different applications

all native to Japan

A father and son make our Akebono papers in the traditional way in a small Japanese village

Using persimmon-dyed kozo as the stencils