1/7/2024 0 Comments Moku hanga washi![]() Although unsized washi is not immediately suitable for mokuhanga, many artists do still use them by sizing them themselves. With unsized paper it is possible to print single colors or allow the colors to bleed as an aesthetic choice, but typically is not what most artists starting out learning mokuhanga are looking for. Much of the washi available outside of Japan is unsized and meant for other artistic practices than mokuhanga. It is usually easy to tell which side by feeling or looking for the smooth side of the paper. Most washi made specifically for mokuhanga has a light coating of sizing applied to one side of the paper. Too much sizing can also block pigment from absorbing into the paper. Sizing, typically animal glue and alum, prevents colors from bleeding into each other when printing multiple layers. One of the first things to look for when searching for mokuhanga paper is whether or not it is sized. When considering which washi to try, a few of the most important factors to consider are sizing, thickness, fibers used, and what you want to get out of your paper. While any washi can potentially work each has its own characteristics, ways it must be treated before printing, and certain limitations. Washi is a general term that refers to handmade Japanese papers. ![]() Due to its durability and stability, washi is typically the only choice for experienced printmakers. Most are too weak due to their short fibers and they expand and contract too much to keep accurate registration. Some western papers can be used for mokuhanga if there are no other options, but for the most part they are unsuitable for mokuhanga. There are countless vendors, offering countless papers, but often their papers are inadequate and misleading in description to the untrained artist. ![]() It is a delicate pale green colour with 4 deckle edges.Choosing which papers to start with can be a frustrating task for artists just beginning to learn mokuhanga. 3.0960 add-to-cart Japanese washi primarily composed of Gampi fibre (90%) with Alpha Cellulose (10%), Kitakata has a subtle gloss and a soft surface. These Awagami papers are made from traditional natural fibres: Kozo and Gampi as well as non-tree fibres such as Bamboo, Cotton and Hemp. This is what gives Japanese 'washi' its distinct characteristics and sets it apart from western 'yoshi' papersTo coincide with our introduction of traditional woodcut tools from Japan we are launching a carefully selected range of Japanese paper ‘washi’ made by Awagami Factory, a sixth generation family run paper mill. When papers are made using the longest of fibres, Kozo, in combination with the neri it is possible to achieve papers that are thin and transluscent whilst retaining extraordinary strength. The substance also appeared to contribute to the sheet formation process and was later discovered to be hydrogen bonding, a process that occurs in all papermaking, causing fibres to adhere to one another during the drying out process.Gampi was not a cultivated crop so over the centuries papermakers found other sources of this substance now widely referred to as Neri. This slowing down of the draining allowed for the fibres to be agitated and intermingled for longer and evened out the thickness of the pulp layer. ![]() There is some historical speculation that early papermakers in Japan observed that Gampi fibres were giving off a viscous, mucous like substance that significantly impeded the draining of water from the paper mould. Gampi has long silky fibres that can create a thin, translucent and smooth tissue like paper. Kozo fibres are long and will create very strong and absorbent paper even when made thin and if dampened. Its intrinsic qualities of warmth, resilience and durability have seen it used in the manufacture of the widest imaginable range of products for both daily living, ritual and the arts.Traditional Japanese woodblock printing or moku hanga has for centuries utilised paper made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree kozo. Paper has played a significant role in Japanese culture for well over 1000 years. It is a delicate pale green colour with 4 deckle edges. 135946 Awagami Washi : Japanese Paper : Kitakata : 36gsm : 43x52cm : Single Sheet 3.0960 GBP InStock /Surface/Paper & Card/Sheets /Colour/Printmaking/Relief and Lino Printing/Paper /Colour/Printmaking/Paper /Colour/Printmaking/Relief and Lino Printing/Japanese Woodcut - Moku Hanga/Paper /Brands/Awagami Factory Japanese washi primarily composed of Gampi fibre (90%) with Alpha Cellulose (10%), Kitakata has a subtle gloss and a soft surface.
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