和紙(わし)

和紙(わし) is traditional Japanese handmade paper, prized for its beauty, durability, and versatility. Made from plant fibers such as 楮(こうぞ) (mulberry), 三椏(みつまた) (mitsumata), and 雁皮(がんぴ) (gampi).

CHARACTERISTICS:

• Stronger and more durable than machine-made paper
• Translucent, with natural texture
• UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (since 2014)

COMMON USES:

• 障子(しょうじ): sliding paper screens
• 書道(しょどう): calligraphy
• 折り紙(おりがみ): origami
• 提灯(ちょうちん): paper lanterns

CONTRAST:

• 和紙(わし): Japanese paper (和(わ) = Japanese)
• 洋紙(ようし): Western-style paper (洋(よう) = Western)