創業安政５年・和紙・折り紙・染紙・千代紙・製造の老舗―文京区文化遺産

Here at the factory,professionals carefully hand dye the paper one piece at a time.
Below you will find an indepth look at the entire dying process,
as well as information on factory tours.

While there are many techniques for dyeing paper, nearly all rely on the same tool - a large, flat 30-centimeter brush. Other types of brushes are used, but usually for the more specific job of scattering gold or silver foil.

●	Paints (water is mixed with paste to help the dye adhere to the paper)
●	Dyes (dyes must be thoroughly melted in hot water to avoid clumps and uneven coloring)
●	Metal Dyes (powdered gold (brass) or silver (aluminum) is carefully mixed with paste)

※In a procedure that dates back many years, colors are carefully mixed under the natural light of the sun. Because duplicating colors exactly is almost impossible, no two pieces of paper ever have the same color. These techniques rely on professionalism, sense and experience more than color charts or other aides.

Washi paper itself comes in many different forms and is made from a wide variety of raw materials. Dyeing techniques also widely vary.

About Washi

Washi has many uses, including around the house in sliding doors and folding screens, for personal belongings such as writing paper, in umbrellas or even for dressing hair. And of course it is also used for origami. Its thin but flexible and strong qualities make it ideal for a broad range of use. Washiﾕs diversity is also highly regarded overseas, where it is often used as well. Washi was developed in Japan and is handmade from different kinds of stalk fiber such as mulberry or hemp. Some kinds of washi are named after the trees they are made from, for example "Lilas" washi. Some washi is also named according to where is is made. For example, "Mino" paper, "Echizen" paper, "Tosa" paper, "Hosokawa" paper and "Skishu" paper.

Just as washi comes in many different types, the dyeing procedure also involves varied styles and techniques. This picture shows our dye masters using a general techinique call "Hikizome." This involves first boiling the dye and then using a brush to apply it evenly to a whole sheet of paper. While appearing easy, it is said that this technique takes many years to master.

After dyeing, each piece of paper is hung to air dry from bars on the ceiling called "shimoku." After about half a day, when the paper is dry, it is placed on a flat surface where it is stretched and flattened with a heavy stone. The finishing touch is added when it is smoothed even further by hand.

Tours are available free of charge anytime during normal business hours.
Visitors can tour the factory anytime from 10AM to 4PM
(closed for lunch: 12PM-1PM).