Wouldn’t it be wonderful if a single sheet of paper could enrich your daily life just a little? Writing a letter, wrapping a gift, or displaying it as a piece of interior decor. If only you could use a beautiful, heartwarming sheet of washi paper in such everyday moments…
However, many of you might feel, “There are so many types of washi, it’s hard to understand,” or “It seems too special and difficult for everyday use.”
For those who feel this way, we want to introduce you to ‘Izumo Mingeishi Paper,’ still handcrafted today in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture.
This is the crystallization of “beauty in utility,” revived through the lifelong dedication of Living National Treasure Abe Eishiro, who saved the once-declining washi of the Izumo region. It is filled with a simple yet powerful charm that led Yanagi Sōetsu, the father of the Mingei (folk craft) Movement, to declare it “the ideal form of Japanese paper.” Its artistic ‘Izumo Kumogami’ paper, said to reflect the beautiful sunsets over Lake Shinji, captivates the hearts of all who see it.
In this article, we will open the door to the profound world of Izumo Mingeishi Paper, from its history and the characteristics of each raw material to ways you can use it to color your life. Let’s embark on a journey to find your very own favorite sheet.
What is Izumo Mingeishi Paper? | The Beauty of Utility Revived by a Living National Treasure
The Izumo region of Shimane Prefecture has been known as a producer of washi since ancient times, with its name even appearing in documents from the Shōsō-in Repository in Nara.
Its history truly blossomed during the Edo period. The founder of the Matsue domain, Matsudaira Naomasa, invited papermaking artisans from his hometown of Echizen (present-day Fukui Prefecture) and encouraged the paper industry as a domain enterprise, leading to the significant development of the washi industry in Izumo.
The Encounter with the Mingei Movement and the Birth of Izumo Mingeishi Paper
In what is now Yakumo-chō, Matsue City, papermaking began in the mid-Edo period, and at its peak, it is said that as many as 30 workshops were in operation. However, as times changed, the number of workshops dwindled, and the craft once faced a crisis of decline.
The turning point for reviving this tradition came in 1931. The founder of the Mingei (folk craft) Movement, Yanagi Sōetsu, visited the area and encountered washi made by a local artisan, Abe Eishiro. Yanagi highly praised Eishiro’s paper, and inspired by this, Eishiro dedicated himself to papermaking under Yanagi’s guidance, incorporating the philosophy of Mingei.
Thus, based on traditional techniques while pursuing the “beauty in utility” for everyday life, “Izumo Mingeishi Paper” was born.
The Defining Feature of Izumo Mingeishi: Bringing Out the Natural Character of the Materials
The greatest feature of Izumo Mingeishi Paper lies in maximizing the inherent qualities of its raw plant fibers.
- Kōzo (mulberry), for its characteristic strength.
- Mitsumata, for its characteristic smoothness.
- Ganpi, for its characteristic rich luster.
By crafting the paper without diminishing the individuality of each fiber, a paper is born that is simple yet powerful, full of a robust, masculine charm.
Izumo Kumogami Paper | A Work of Art Reflecting the Sunsets of Lake Shinji
The signature design of Izumo Mingeishi Paper is “Izumo Kumogami,” a technique devised by Abe Eishiro. He was inspired by the beauty of the sunsets over his native Lake Shinji and created this method to express the scenery on washi paper.
First, a base sheet of colored paper is made. While it is still damp, fibers dyed in various colors and dissolved thinly are floated across the surface like clouds. The beauty of the clouds reflected on the water’s surface, and the ever-changing sky through the seasons, are magnificently expressed on a single sheet of washi.
How to Choose Izumo Mingeishi Paper | A Guide to Materials, Sizes, and Thickness
With Izumo Mingeishi Paper, one can enjoy the process of selecting the perfect sheet for their purpose from a rich variety of options. The main points for selection are broadly divided into two categories: “materials” and “size and thickness.” By understanding the characteristics of each, you can delve deeper into the world of Izumo Mingeishi Paper.
Choosing by Material (Ganpi, Mitsumata, Kōzo)
- Ganpishi: With its luster, resistance to insects and water, and high preservation quality, it is ideal for documents and calligraphy that you wish to store for a long time.
- Mitsumatashi: It is smooth, allows for fluid brushstrokes, and is suitable for printing, making it ideal for everyday items like stationery and business cards.
- Kōzoshi: Its long fibers make it exceptionally durable, so it is well-suited for applications requiring strength, such as shōji screens, bookbinding, and printmaking.
Choosing by Size, Thickness, and Deckle Edges (“Mimi”)
Izumo Mingeishi Paper is available in standard sizes such as ‘Ōban’ (approx. 62×100 cm) and ‘Chōhan’ (approx. 42×135 cm), making it suitable for large applications like shōji screens and tapestries. You can also specify the thickness based on standards like “banknote,” “calligraphy paper,” or “drawing paper.” You can also enjoy creating works that take advantage of the feathery ‘mimi’ or deckle edges on all four sides, a unique feature of handmade washi.
Ideas for Using Izumo Mingeishi Paper and How to Purchase It
Durable and beautiful, Izumo Mingeishi Paper is active not only in traditional uses but also in various forms in our modern lives. Here, we introduce specific ideas for its use and how you can actually obtain it.
Ideas for Incorporating it into Your Life
- Crafts: For Goshuin-chō (temple stamp books), Watoji-bon (traditional Japanese bookbinding), gift wrapping, and book covers.
- Stationery: For letter sets, envelopes, and business cards (it has excellent compatibility with letterpress printing).
- Interior Decor: For shōji screens, fusuma sliding doors, art panels, and lampshades.
Information on Purchasing, Visiting, and Workshops
Izumo Mingeishi Paper can be purchased at the museum shop of the ‘Abe Eishiro Memorial Museum’ in Yakumo-chō, Matsue City, or through the official online store. At the museum, you can view Eishiro’s works and items related to the Mingei Movement. Additionally, at the adjacent workshop, you can experience papermaking yourself by making a reservation.
Source:
Izumo Mingeishi Paper, ‘Abe Eishiro Memorial Museum,’ Shinichiro Abe