In the world of Japanese traditional culture supported by washi paper, there are various types, but ganpi paper reigns at the pinnacle.
This paper, also called “the king of washi,” has been used for important documents and artistic works since ancient times due to its elegant texture and extraordinary durability.
Particularly, ganpi paper created using traditional techniques passed down in the Izumo region is highly valued both domestically and internationally.
This article introduces the charm and characteristics of ganpi paper, as well as its modern applications.
Ganpi Paper (Board-dried, Long Size, 1 Sheet)
Ganpi Paper (Board-dried, Small Size, 1 Sheet)
Ganpi Paper White (Board-dried, Long Size, 1 Sheet)
Ganpi Paper White (Board-dried, Small Size, 1 Sheet)
What is Ganpi Paper?
Among the various types of washi paper, ganpi paper stands as the most noble and can be considered the ultimate sheet that embodies the essence of Japanese culture. Its characteristics, backed by history and tradition, continue to captivate many people today as an art form that transcends the mere framework of paper.
History and Origin of Ganpi Paper
The history of ganpi paper is ancient, having been handed down for over 1,200 years, as evidenced by its inclusion in the Shosoin Imperial Repository. This paper, treasured by nobles and temples from the Nara to Heian periods, was refined alongside the development of Japanese culture and used for calligraphic arts and Buddhist scripture transcription.
In particular, Izumo ganpi paper, as a representative example of Izumo Folk Art Paper established through extensive research by Living National Treasure Eisaburo Abe, continues to be highly valued today.
Materials and Manufacturing Process of Ganpi Paper
The rarity of ganpi, the main raw material for ganpi paper, further enhances the paper’s value.
The main raw material for ganpi paper is wild ganpi that grows naturally in Shimane Prefecture. The ganpi fiber is extremely long and strong, which is the secret to the paper’s strength.
It is made using the traditional method called “board-drying,” where the paper is attached to wooden boards and dried in the sun, creating a unique texture. Through this labor-intensive process, a texture that can never be obtained with other washi papers is achieved.
Why Ganpi Paper is Highly Valued
Ganpi paper, which has been loved for centuries, has a charm that other papers do not possess.
The primary reason ganpi paper is valued is for its unparalleled quality.
It features a unique glossy surface and crisp paper body, a refinement that cannot be imitated by other papers. It also boasts high strength and durability, with approximately three times the strength of regular washi paper.
This allows works and writing to be preserved for generations. In cultural property preservation, ganpi paper is also valued for its excellent characteristics.
The Appeal of Ganpi Paper and Its Differences from Other Washi Papers
Ganpi paper, which has a special presence among washi papers, stands apart from other washi papers due to its unique characteristics. Understanding these differences will help you appreciate the true value of ganpi paper more deeply.
The appeal of ganpi paper, in a word, is “elegance.” The high-quality feel you experience when you hold it and the growing attachment as you use it will be an experience difficult to obtain with other papers.
Comparison Between Ganpi Paper and Other Washi Papers
The differences between the three major raw materials for washi paper bring individuality and different uses to each paper.
The three major raw materials for washi paper are kozo (paper mulberry), mitsumata (Oriental paperbush), and ganpi (Diplomorpha sikokiana), each with its own unique characteristics. Among them, ganpi paper is considered the most luxurious and has been used for special purposes.
Differences Between Ganpi Paper and Kozo Paper
Understanding the difference in characteristics between kozo paper, which is widely used in daily life, and ganpi paper, which shines in special settings.
While kozo paper is a representative of durable and practical washi paper, ganpi paper has a more delicate and elegant texture. Kozo paper is suitable for everyday use, whereas ganpi paper is often used for special works and documents.
Kozo fibers are relatively thick, whereas ganpi fibers are extremely thin and long, resulting in a dense paper with transparency.
Differences Between Ganpi Paper and Mitsumata Paper
While sharing a common trait in glossiness, there are differences in texture and strength.
Mitsumata paper is a beautiful washi paper with glossiness, but ganpi paper combines an even higher quality gloss with strength.
While mitsumata paper has a soft and warm texture, ganpi paper gives a sharper and more elegant impression.
Mitsumata can be cultivated, but ganpi is harvested from the wild, making it more rare and valuable.
The Beauty and Functionality Unique to Ganpi Paper
The appeal of ganpi paper lies not only in its beauty but also in its excellent functionality for practical use.
The greatest feature of ganpi paper is its exquisite texture, which combines a silk-like translucency that lets light through, a glossy surface, and a perfect balance of crispness and flexibility.
These characteristics allow it to accurately capture the movement of the brush and beautifully express the subtle gradations of ink.
It also excels in ink adhesion, allowing for clear reproduction of details in print works, thus expanding the possibilities for artistic expression.
Characteristics of Ganpi Paper
The characteristics of ganpi paper are evident not only in its visual beauty but also in its high practicality. These diverse properties enable its use in various applications.
Thinness and Transparency
The transparency of ganpi paper, which is delicate yet has a strong presence, enriches the expression of light and shadow.
A characteristic of ganpi paper is the beauty of its fibers visible when held up to the light. This delicate transparency is also prized for use in lamp shades and shoji paper.
The seemingly contradictory properties of thinness yet strength could be said to be the greatest appeal of ganpi paper.
High Durability and Preservation Quality
Ganpi paper, which increases in flavor with time, is ideal for valuable works and documents intended for long-term preservation.
Ganpi paper has surprisingly sturdy strength and durability, boasting about three times the strength of regular washi paper. Due to this characteristic, it is suitable for long-term preservation of important documents and art works, capable of maintaining its beauty over hundreds of years.
It is also resistant to insect damage and is highly valued in cultural property preservation.
Smooth Writing Experience
The surface of ganpi paper, which allows the pleasure of moving a brush or pen across it, inspires creative motivation.
The surface of ganpi paper is extremely smooth and uniform. When writing with a brush, ink, or pen, there is an exquisite balance between pleasant resistance and smoothness, allowing the writer’s intentions to be accurately expressed on the paper.
Writing a letter on this elegant ganpi paper naturally gives rise to heartfelt text.
Color Variations
You can choose between the type that preserves the natural texture and the white type with a pure impression, according to your needs.
Izumo ganpi paper comes in an unbleached type that preserves the natural texture and a white type that has undergone bleaching.
The unbleached type has a warm, natural color that increases in flavor over time.
The white type gives a pure and modern impression and has the effect of beautifully displaying the color of colored inks and paints.
Uses of Ganpi Paper
The diverse characteristics of ganpi paper are utilized in various fields. Its possibilities extend infinitely from traditional uses to modern applications.
Calligraphy
Ganpi paper, which maximizes the beauty of ink gradation and lines, gives calligraphy works a special dignity.
As a calligraphy paper, ganpi paper has the characteristic of vividly expressing the delicate movements of the brush and beautifully showing the gradations of ink. It is particularly suitable for works requiring advanced techniques or those intended for display and preservation. With minimal bleeding, allowing the outlines of lines to be clearly expressed, it is also ideal for small script or seal script, where the expression of details is important.
Seal Carving and Printmaking
In seal carving and printmaking, which require expressive detail, the characteristics of ganpi paper greatly affect the quality of the work.
As a paper for seal carving, ganpi paper has an appropriate thickness and softness, with the characteristic of making the seal impression stand out clearly. In printmaking, it has the characteristic of good ink adhesion and faithful reproduction of fine lines and blurs. It is particularly suitable for techniques requiring precise expression, such as woodblock printing and copperplate printing.
Book and Cultural Property Restoration
Ganpi paper, valued in cultural property preservation, serves as a bridge connecting Japanese history and culture to the future.
Ganpi paper, with its strength and high preservation quality, is an essential material for the restoration and preservation of ancient documents and cultural properties. Its role as a backing paper is particularly significant, used for reinforcing damaged paper and as a protective layer to prevent deterioration. Its characteristic of being thin yet strong enhances the precision and effectiveness of restoration work.
Application to Lighting, Handicrafts, and Crafts
Ganpi paper, which blends into modern lifestyles, brings a high-quality Japanese atmosphere to everyday spaces.
Ganpi paper also excels as origami paper, combining flexibility and strength, making it resistant to tearing even with complex folds. It is also used as material for lamp shades and interior accessories, with its beauty when light passes through giving warmth and luxury to the space. It is also easy to dye and process, expanding the possibilities for creation.
Development into Shrine Seal Books and Notebooks
By incorporating the high-quality feel of ganpi paper into everyday stationery, the joy of writing expands.
Ganpi paper is also ideal for covers and linings of shrine seal books, making travel memories more special. It is also used as material for luxury notebooks and letter paper, enhancing the joy of writing. Using it daily allows you to enjoy the aging of washi paper, which is also appealing.
Our Store’s Ganpi Paper Lineup
Our store carries a selection of carefully chosen Izumo ganpi paper. We suggest ways to use each type according to its characteristics.
Ganpi Paper (Board-dried, Long Size, 1 Sheet)
The long size, suitable for large calligraphy works and hanging scrolls, enhances the grade of works with its imposing presence.
Izumo ganpi paper (board-dried, long size, 1 sheet) is the highest quality washi paper made using wild ganpi that grows naturally in Shimane Prefecture. With a size of 135×42cm, it is large format and suitable for calligraphy works, folding screens, and hanging scrolls, and other large works.
Ganpi Paper (Board-dried, Long Size, 1 Sheet)
Ganpi Paper (Board-dried, Small Size, 1 Sheet)
The small size, ideal for letters and small works, allows you to casually enjoy the texture of ganpi paper in daily use.
Izumo ganpi paper (board-dried, small size, 1 sheet) also uses wild ganpi from Shimane Prefecture. With a size of 53×38cm, it is perfect for letter paper, cards, and small print works, allowing you to casually enjoy the texture of ganpi paper.
Ganpi Paper (Board-dried, Small Size, 1 Sheet)
Ganpi Paper White (Board-dried, Long Size, 1 Sheet)
The white long size, with its pure and contemporary impression, features characteristics that complement color works and modern art.
This is a white ganpi paper that has undergone bleaching treatment, with a size of 135×42cm. It is suitable for modern art that requires vivid color expression and calligraphy works that need to convey a pure impression.
Ganpi Paper White (Board-dried, Long Size, 1 Sheet)
Ganpi Paper White (Board-dried, Small Size, 1 Sheet)
White small size is perfect for modern-atmosphere greeting cards and small works.
This is a small size of white ganpi paper, measuring 53×38cm. It is ideal for illustrations using colored ink and small works with a modern atmosphere.
Ganpi Paper White (Board-dried, Small Size, 1 Sheet)
Other Ganpi Paper Products
With various products utilizing the characteristics of ganpi paper, you can incorporate the richness of washi into your daily life.
In addition to the basic lineup above, our store offers various products using ganpi paper.
Washi Notebook (Wachou)
Washi notebooks that allow you to feel the joy of writing daily have a high-quality feel suitable for leaving special records.
Washi notebooks using ganpi paper are ideal for diaries and memos. They feature a texture that is transmitted to your hand with each writing and durability that withstands long-term storage. They are also appreciated as gifts for special people.
Izumo Ganpi Paper Notebook (Boxed)
Letter Paper
Letter paper that conveys heartfelt messages creates a special bond between the writer and the reader.
Ganpi paper letter paper doubles the joy of writing letters. What is delivered to the recipient, along with the texture of the paper, is your thoughtfulness. For a letter to a special person, you would want to choose special paper.
Izumo Ganpi Paper Letter Paper (20 sheets)
Tanzaku (Poetry Cards)
Tanzaku for writing seasonal words further enhances their beauty with the delicate texture of ganpi paper.
Ganpi paper tanzaku are ideal for writing haiku and waka poetry. The delicate texture of ganpi paper harmonizes beautifully with words that convey the changing seasons.
Izumo Ganpi Paper Tanzaku (5 sheets)
Shikishi (Square Poetry Cards)
Shikishi that enhance commemorative calligraphy and paintings give special value to works intended as gifts.
Ganpi paper shikishi serve as high-quality backing for calligraphy and paintings. They are ideal for commemorative group inscriptions and calligraphy works intended as gifts.
Izumo Ganpi Paper Shikishi (5 sheets)
People We Recommend Ganpi Paper To
We would like those who can maximize the charm of ganpi paper to experience its excellence.
People Particular About Calligraphy and Art
For those with a passion for creation, ganpi paper will be the ultimate partner in expanding the possibilities of expression.
We would like not only professional calligraphers and artists but also those who enjoy calligraphy and painting as a hobby to experience the charm of ganpi paper at least once. It is optimal not only as letter paper but also as calligraphy paper, for copying prints and lithographs, and as tracing paper. The expressive power that cannot be obtained with ordinary paper will surely inspire new creative motivation.
People Who Value the Preservation of Cultural Properties and Books
To pass on works and documents of cultural value to future generations, the characteristics of ganpi paper play a significant role.
For specialists involved in restoration and preservation, the durability and high preservation quality of ganpi paper will be of great use. Even in the restoration of important cultural properties and ancient documents, the characteristics of ganpi paper are maximized.
Washi Collectors and Handicraft Enthusiasts
For those interested in Japanese traditional culture who want to incorporate its beauty and functionality into their lives, ganpi paper is a special existence.
For those interested in Japanese traditional culture who collect various washi papers and those seeking quality materials for handicraft works, ganpi paper will become a special part of their collection. The possibilities for creation are endless, including origami works, lighting fixtures, and interior accessories.
People We Do Not Recommend Ganpi Paper To
Ganpi paper is not suitable for everyone. It is important to make choices according to its characteristics and intended use.
Those Who Want to Use Large Quantities with Price as a Priority
Highly rare ganpi paper is recommended for use in appropriate applications that match its value.
Due to its rarity, ganpi paper is expensive compared to general washi paper. For practice use that requires large quantities or when cost performance is a priority, we recommend other washi papers such as kozo paper.
Beginners Unfamiliar with Handling Washi
We recommend learning the basic handling of washi before experiencing the charm of ganpi paper.
Because of its high quality, proper handling is required to make the most of the characteristics of ganpi paper. For those not familiar with the basic use of washi, we recommend starting with easier-to-handle kozo paper or machine-made washi.
Those Seeking Different Materials for Special Uses
Choosing the optimal material according to your purpose leads to better results.
If you require special functions such as water resistance or oil resistance, other materials may be more suitable depending on your purpose. It is important to choose the optimal paper for your needs.
How to Purchase Ganpi Paper and Delivery Time
Our store delivers traditional ganpi paper tailored to modern needs. You can select the perfect sheet for your creative activities and daily use.
How to Purchase from Our Store
At our online shop, you can view the charm of ganpi paper 24 hours a day.
Our store recommends Izumo ganpi paper for those looking for paper that forms the foundation of Izumo Folk Art Paper, the highest quality paper, letter paper suitable for letters, calligraphy paper, paper for copying prints and lithographs, and tracing paper.
Our online shop carries various sizes and types, and accepts payment by bank transfer, postal transfer, Japan Post Bank transfer, postal payment, credit card (PayPal), cash on delivery, and credit card on delivery.
Estimated Delivery Time and Stock Status
As it is a rare washi paper, please pay close attention to stock status.
Since ganpi paper uses rare materials, delivery times may vary depending on stock status.
Basically, we strive to ship within 2-3 days of your order, but for large orders or special sizes, please consult with us separately.
In Conclusion
Ganpi paper is not merely paper but an art form that condenses Japanese tradition and culture. It is no exaggeration to call it the highest quality paper in Japan. Its elegant appearance and high practicality enrich the hearts of users and breathe new life into works.
In a world of changing values, the charm of ganpi paper, which has been loved for over a thousand years, seems to be increasing rather than diminishing. Please try holding it in your hand and feeling its texture. Your concept of paper will surely change.
Our store will continue to pursue the possibilities of ganpi paper that breathes in modern life while preserving traditional washi culture. We sincerely wish for the rich time that ganpi paper brings to your creative activities and daily life.
