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The unique visual guide to our natural papers has been developed to show how different papers perform with different media.
Many paper suppliers will simply recommend a particular paper usage, but we believe this limits creativity by giving an inaccurate impression of a limited range of uses to which these papers can be put. On the contrary, one of the many beauties of Japanese paper is its versatility, so rather than vaguely classifying them by use, we prefer to show how a paper performs in different situations so it can be chosen for its specific performance characteristics.
To this end, we applied a series of media to a sample piece of each paper, typically an 8.5 x 11" unless the full sheet is smaller. Each medium was consistently applied in the same order and location to make comparison between sheets easy. These media were chosen to demonstrate a range of paper qualities, including:
- surface texture - if a visible grain or texture shows up with the use of dry or wet media
- absorbency - how much each paper absorbs wet
media or not (i.e. if the paper bleeds)
- shrinkage - how apt a paper is to wrinkle when
a limited section is wet (please note dampening a full sheet
can produce a different result)
- colour appearance - how colour appears on the
paper
Next each sheet was scanned with a black-and-white template behind it. This template consists of two parts:
- a black-and-white graduated region, to show the appearance of each paper over
both a light and dark background.
- a region with text in two sizes, to demonstrate the translucence of different papers down to small line detail.
Finally each sheet was digitally labelled with identifying information (name and code) and the media used. The media includes the brand names where applicable.
A minority of papers not designed for use with media were simply scanned with the black-and-white template to show translucence, with no media applied.
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All Natural Papers
By Size
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All Natural
Papers By Weight
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All Natural Papers By Surface Appearance
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Undecorated
and undyed, these papers are packed with potential for many
uses. |
In this
section you'll find a small range of papers lightly coloured
with dyes, inclusions, or simply darker fibres. For more vibrant
options, please see our Specialty
Papers section. |
Look
no further for paper with a bit more visual AND tactile "zest." Longer
fibres or inclusions give this range of tissues and papers
a distinct look and feel. |
"Chiri" means "leftovers" and
refers to bark flecks deliberately left in paper as decorative
elements. Nothing could be more natural! |
All Natural Papers By Fibre Content:
what "Rice Paper" is REALLY made of!
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Kozo
is the favoured fibre for traditional Japanese papers. Renewable,
absorbent and strong, it has been a staple of Japanese papermaking
for over 1400 years. Try it yourself to see why! |
These
three less commonly used fibres are also important renewable
plant fibres in traditional Japanese papermaking and have their
own distinct features and qualities. |
Blending
sulphite or other raw materials with traditional fibres adds
weight or interest to a paper at a more economical price point. |
When
price is a more important consideration than quality, look
no further than these papers! |
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