Types of washi paper for Japanese traditional books
Types of papers introduced in the video
- Kigami, Kisukigami (raw paper) – paper without additives
- Jukushi (finished paper) – specially-treated Kigami paper for a variety of uses
- Eishi (polished paper) – a kind of jukushi in which the part where the writing goes is first rubbed with a hard object
- Uchigami (hammered paper) – another kind of jukushi; the entire sheet is hammered with a wooden mallet
- Tsugigami (connected paper) – multiple kinds of papers connected together; more details in week 2
- Mica-based paper – paper decorated with mica; more details in week 2
Books introduced in the video:
- Mandai wakashū, Bunsei 3 (1820), an example of Eishi
Click to see the image and information - Keiroku-shū, early Edo period, an example of Uchigami
Click to see the image and information
Let’s give it a try!
The video introduced the uchigami or “hammering” technique. With something hard (preferably a wooden object), try to beat a thick piece of paper you have at hand. Has this treatment made the paper easier to write on?The Art of Washi Paper in Japanese Rare Books

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