The making of Washi

an illustrated process

`150

the making of

Sequential art drawn by Shivani Prakash. Guide, Prakash Moorthy.

The term Washi referred to Japanese handmade paper produced in a traditional manner. The term Washi translates to Japanese paper (wa=Japanese shi=paper). Kozo, mitsumata, and gampi are the three basic fibers most commonly used in the Washi making process.

Washi was developed in Japan during the 7th century. Paper is thought to have been invented by a Chinese librarian in 105.

Papermaking was first brought to Japan by Buddhist monks but Japan quickly became the leading producer of paper.

Traditionally the Washi making process was undertaken by farmers as a seasonal task and Kozo, mitsumata, and gampi crops were planted along with their regular crops. The farmers would process the crops into paper during the months when it was to cold for them to work outside. Washi was used extensively for making clothes, paper sculptures and origami.

It is also the basis of Japanese ink painting, the traditional woodblock printing and also in the production of the famous shoji sliding screens.

This book aims at illustrating the process of making Washi step by step using visuals. The original artwork has been done on A3 cartridge paper and then converted into a book.

Š Shivani Prakash

is a student from the DJ Academy of design, Coimbatore, India. She is in her 3rd year studying Communication Design. She loves reading and is filled with passion. She is also interested in watching and discussing cinema.

shivani prakash

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