Gampi

Gampi is one of the three traditional fiber sources for Japanese papermaking, alongside kozo and mitsumata. Paper made from gampi fiber has a distinctive natural sheen and translucency that sets it apart from other washi types. The fibers are shorter and finer than kozo, producing a smoother, denser paper with an almost silk-like surface quality.

Unlike kozo and mitsumata, gampi resists cultivation and must be gathered from wild plants, making the raw material scarcer and the paper more expensive. This scarcity, combined with the paper's exceptional beauty, has historically positioned gampi paper as a luxury material. Its smooth, lustrous surface makes it excellent for printing fine detail, and the natural translucency can produce distinctive effects when held to light.

In woodblock printing, gampi paper is used less frequently than kozo-based hosho due to its higher cost and different handling characteristics. However, its unique qualities make it prized for special editions and luxury prints. The paper's natural resistance to insect damage and aging also gives it exceptional longevity — some gampi paper documents from the eighth century remain in excellent condition. Contemporary papermakers and printmakers continue to value gampi for its irreplaceable aesthetic qualities.