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Traditional Techniques Developed Thanks
to the Local Climate
 Inshu, also called Inaba, is the feudal name for an area that today lies in the eastern part of Tottori Prefecture. Today the production scale of Inshu washi (Japanese hand-molded paper) at two towns of Aoya Town and Saji Village in east Tottori Prefecture is second in Japan only to that of Echizen washi in Fukui Prefecture. In a region blessed by top-quality water that comes from crystal-clear streams deep in the mountains, the successful history of Inshu washi stretches back more than 1,000 years. During the period from the early 17th century to the middle
of the 19th century, paper making was developed into a viable industry
under the patronage of the feudal lords of Inshu. Since Inshu washi
was designated a National Traditional Craft by the Ministry of International
Trade and Industry in 1975, public interest has grown. The handmade paper
of Inshu was one of the first products to receive this designation.
The high-quality calligraphy paper has long been prized for the way in which it subtly enhances the shading in the flow of the ink, and Inshu washi remains one of the country's most sought-after papers for calligraphy. Craft papers have been manufactured in the area since the beginning of the 20th century, and have also become popular for the excellent design and expert dyeing techniques used. Inshu washi also continues to be used for fusuma and shoji (Japanese traditional sliding doors and screens) that are still common features of Japanese homes, and papers produced in Inshu are used for a wide range of applications including office supplies and paper crafts. The artisans of today have inherited the traditional techniques of the past, and yet are always striving to extend their skills to create attractive new products for the society of today. Photos: (Top) Paper paper products of Inshu Washi; (bottom) an artisan making washi. (Aoya Town) Unauthorized reproduction of the
photos in this page is prohibited.
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