Washi

Washi (Japanese paper) is the indispensable material of Japanese woodblock printing. Made primarily from the inner bark fibers of the kozo (paper mulberry), mitsumata, and gampi plants, washi possesses qualities that make it uniquely suited to water-based printing: long, strong fibers that accept dampening without disintegrating, a soft surface that molds into carved block details under baren pressure, and excellent absorbency that draws water-based pigments deep into the paper structure.

The papermaking process involves harvesting bark, stripping and cleaning the fibers, beating them into pulp, and forming sheets on a bamboo screen (su) using a rocking motion (nagashi-zuki) that interlocks the fibers for exceptional strength. This technique, unique to Japanese papermaking, produces sheets that are remarkably strong for their weight and can endure the repeated dampening and pressing required for multi-block color printing.

For woodblock printing, hosho paper (made from pure kozo fiber) is the traditional choice, valued for its uniform texture and consistent absorbency. The quality of the paper significantly affects the final print — premium washi produces sharper detail, more luminous colors, and better bokashi gradations. UNESCO recognized Japanese handmade washi as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2014, acknowledging its importance to Japanese art and culture.