Washi/Chiyogami

Just thought I would share with you a bit of information about the Japanese papers that I use in my Jewellery. 

Washi is a type of paper made in Japan. The word Washi comes from wa meaning Japanese and shi meaning paper and the term is used to describe paper made by hand in a traditional manner. Washi is usually made using fibres from the bark of the gambi tree or the paper mulberry, but can also be made using hemp, rice, bamboo or wheat. It is generally tougher than ordinary paper which is usually made with wood pulp. Washi is widely used in traditional arts in Japan including origami and Ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock prints).

Chiyogami is the word used to describe a type of Japanese paper decorated with brightly coloured, graphic, repetitive designs. Ukiyo-e artists first produced the woodblock printed patterns in the late 18th century during the Edo period in Japan. The word is a combination of chiyo meaning 'a thousand generations' and kami (gami) meaning paper. Today many of the patterns are applied using silkscreens.

Many Chiyogami patterns are based on traditional motifs, including flowers, plants, birds, geometric shapes or text. The pigment based inks used in authentic chiyogami create a distinctly intense colour that stands up well to fading.


I have included some examples of the Chiyogami patterns that I use in my Washi collection. I am inspired by the vibrant colours in the intricate patterns and the quality of the papers. They are similar to fabric and are works of art in themselves.