Yamakano Washi Paper Collection

Yamakano Washi Paper Collection includes 4 varieties of traditional handcrafted paper, with calligraphy paper being their specialty. Situated alongside Japan's renowned Fuji River in Minobu Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, the manufacturing hub of Nishishima Washi is nestled in an exquisite natural landscape at the base of Mt. Fuji.

Japanese 'washi' paper has been crafted using traditional methods since the Nara period (710-794 B.C.), growing in popularity during the Edo period (1603-1868). 'Wa' is a term for 'Japanese', and 'shi' translates to 'paper' in English.

In the Sengoku period, Mochizuki Seibei learned the technique to make "Shuzenji paper" in Nomura, Takata District of Izu Province (now Izu City). He brought this method to Nishishima and started crafting washi paper from mitsumata. Takeda Shingen, the lord of the country, was pleased with Seibei's work and referred to it as a "fortune paper", leading to Seibei being appointed paper official. Washi paper production continued to flourish in Nishishima until the Tokugawa period, but since the Meiji period, it has been on the decline and only Nishishima now produces it.

After the war, Nishishima worked on the development of "Gasenshi". In addition, we mainly manufacture calligraphy paper such as calligraphy paper and gasen paper by introducing various raw materials such as late paper (Japanese paper made from sandara etc. once made) and rice straw.

Nishishima washi is uniquely soft and yields vibrant colors when used with ink. Additionally, it has an attractive bleeding and brushstroke and is appreciated by calligraphers worldwide.

Papers include:

1. “Kinari” Notes for Fountain Pen Water Based Applications 
2. “First Snow” Practice Calligraphy 
3. “Ginko Nut” Practice Calligraphy - Can Also Be Used as a Tissue (Untreated Linen Fiber) 
4. “Fuji River” Letters & Sketches Calligraphy (Linen Based Thick Texture) 

Made in Japan
100 sheets
Each sheet measure 4.5" x 3.25"