Washi is traditional Japanese paper, the word literally combining ‘wa’ meaning ‘Japanese’ and ‘shi’ meaning ‘paper’. It is made from the fibre of local Japanese trees which are processed by hand and is therefore generally more robust than ordinary paper because it incorporates wood pulp.
The long, intricate process is conducted in winter as pure and cold running water is essential to inhibiting bacteria and the decomposition of the fibres. The subtle textures and tones of this tougher paper, used in traditional Japanese crafts like origami, also make it a popular choice for modern homes. The Japanese paper has a rich history dating back to 610 AD. Today's iterations sees it used for a variety of purposes including wallpaper.
(Above and below) Renowned Dutch designer Piet Boon travels the world drawing inspiration from other cultures.
Washi ni karatasi ya jadi ya Kijapani, neno ambalo kihalisi linaunganisha <unk>wa<unk> ikimaanisha <unk>Kijapani<unk> na <unk>shi<unk> ikimaanisha <unk>karatasi<unk>. Ni alifanya kutoka nyuzi ya miti ya ndani ya Kijapani ambayo ni kusindika kwa mkono na kwa hiyo ni kwa ujumla imara zaidi kuliko karatasi ya kawaida kwa sababu inajumuisha pulp mbao. Utaratibu huu mrefu na mgumu hufanywa wakati wa majira ya baridi kali, kwani maji safi na baridi ni muhimu kwa kuzuia bakteria na uharibifu wa nyuzi. Nakala na rangi nyembamba za karatasi hii ngumu, inayotumiwa katika ufundi wa jadi wa Kijapani kama origami, pia hufanya iwe chaguo maarufu kwa nyumba za kisasa. Kijapani ni nchi yenye historia ya zamani ya kuvutia, ambayo ina historia ya zamani ya kuvutia ya miaka ya 600. Iterations ya leo inaona ni kutumika kwa madhumuni mbalimbali ikiwa ni pamoja na wallpaper. Mtengenezaji maarufu wa Uholanzi Piet Boon anatembea ulimwenguni kote akichukua msukumo kutoka kwa tamaduni nyingine.