Ancient Arts

Prints on Japanese Washi

This selection of mid-century, Japanese rice paper prints comprises woodblocks, woodcuts, and stencils, embodying the varied and intricate techniques employed by their respective artist. Not actually made from rice, the paper's misnomer was bestowed by Westerners due to its bright white color and Asian origins. Instead, such paper consists of fibers from the humble Mulberry tree. In Japan, such paper is called Washi and is created by boiling fibers from the tree's inner-bark. Once softened, these fibers are cleaned, pulverized, saturated, and pressed before being dried in the winter sun. Today, this delicate paper is produced by fewer than 100 families across Japan's rural villages.