The Strength and Resilience of Japanese Paper

Japanese paper amazes me, it is beautiful with its texture and delicate fibers but it is also strong and more resilient than ordinary wood based paper. The strength of paper comes from the long fibres used of the kozo bush (paper Mulberry), gampi tree and mistsumata shrub (Edgeworthia chrysantha) and the technique of crafting this paper that was developed over 500 years ago in Japan.  

The making of Japanese paper is considered by the United Nations Education Science Cultural Organization UNESCO a craft of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Today, the art and craft of papermaking is being challenged as there are fewer craftsmen that are willing to go through the multiple labour intensive steps, only 250 family-run studios carry on the tradition.  

The Japanese Paper Place (where I get my beautiful selection) gives some great information on the history and process of Japanese paper making.      

https://www.japanesepaperplace.com/papermaking-in-japan/

The beauty of the paper is what drew me to use Japanese paper to make my light sculptures and light frames but strength and resilience are equally as important. I know that paper is delicate and may not be able to withstand some of the rigors of a busy household (the cat using the light sculpture as toy, the dog sweeping it off the table with an over-enthusiastic tail wag, or game of catch in the house that did not go as planned) so if the paper portion of the table light sculpture (https://betweenartandlight.com/collections/lamps) is damaged and you can return the damaged portion to me I will make a replacement for a small fee to cover the paper and supplies. I want to make sure that you are secure that you will be able to continue to enjoy your light sculpture without worrying about the delicate nature of it.

As always I would love to hear from you- feedback is a gift and it helps me to make the pieces better!

With much gratitude

Gayle