By Kyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
Kyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
Traditional Technique, Innovative Paper
In the softly reflecting light of washi paper, a fluffy pattern floats to the surface. Although it is a white pattern on a white ground, the micaceous particles in the paint give it a particular shine. This is one corner of Nishijin, where craftsmen maintained the kimono culture of Kyoto. Once the home of hairdressers, it transformed itself into a base of modern graphic design and traditional tezuri technique to give birth to a new kind of "paper" -Kamisoe.
Encountering Karakami
After studying at an American university, the proprietor of Kmisoe, Kado Koh, was active a a graphic designer in the United States. However, the more he learned of Western design, the more aware he became of native Japanese design. It was after he returned to his hometown of Kyoto that he encountered karakami.
History of Karakami
Karakami is a hand-printed type of decorative paper that uses a woodblock to transfer deigns to washi paper. In Kyoto its origins are to be found in the Heian period in the creation of strips of decorated paper on which waka poems were written. The paper was dyed, scattered with bits of gold and silver foil, and the pattern expressed through pigment and woodblock printing, producing elegantly beautiful paper. From the Edo period onward (1615-1868), the same technique was widely employed in making paper for sliding doors (fusuma).
Inside the Kamisoe, karakami (2019) by Kado KohKyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
The Appeal of Karakami. The Genesis of "Printing"
Karakami is entirely made by hand - from the design to the preparing of the pigments and the woodblock printing. Its goal is the ultimate experience of its kind - a feeling for changes in the weather, the texture of the paper, the multifarious colors of the pigments.
Designing Karakami
It is widely thought that the patterns on karakami are the result of the use of traditional woodblock patterns. However, at Kamisoe new designs are continually being produced by constant discussion with clients.
Transferring the Designs to the Woodblock
New patterns are transferred to the woodblock by the woodblock engraver.
Coating Paper with Colorants
To make karakami, the backing paper is coated with a sizing agent and then dyed with pigments and other materials. The color chosen is that most suited to the pattern, to its use such as a sliding door or a latter, and to his spatial balance. In addition to prevent permeation into the backing paper, glazing is applied.
Applying Color to the Woodblock
The color is prepared from a compound of adhesive cloth glue, pigment based on gofun (calcium carbonate) and other substances, and mica for its glitter. The mixture is poured onto a large sieve, which is moved so that the entire woodblock is evenly coated.
Applying Color to the Woodblock, karakami (2019) by Kado KohKyoto Women's University, Lifestyle Design Laboratory
Printing the Design
The paper is placed on top of the woodblock and pressed with the palm of one's hand to print the pattern. Since devices such as baren pads are not used in karakami-making, the quantity of pigment used and the amount of time taken to press the pattern depends entirely on the intuition of the artisans and their many years of experience.The design is printed more than once. The color is applied to the woodblock again and pressed again. This is what produces the soft, fluffy appearance of karakami.
Karakami and the Japanese Aesthetic
In Kado's designs one gets a feeling for one of the principles of the Japanese aesthetic - the beauty of empty space that is seen in monochrome ink painting and Japanese gardens. His layouts based on subtraction give birth to empty space and highlight the quintessential beauty of paper.
Kamisoe's Path to the Future
The number of items in which Kamisoe uses karakami is virtually unlimited - sliding doors, wall paper, small pochi bags, stationary, and more. Each and every design incorporates the thought and feelings of the client. No matter how many years pass by, the designs never fad or grow old, but survive into the next generation. "If through Kamisoe's work, karakami could be more wider known and appreciated, how wonderful that would be!" With that thought in mind, each day gives birth to a new karakami design.
Information provided & Supported by:
Kamisoe
Text written by:
Yukie Naito, MA candidate,Kyoto Women's University
Ida Natsuki, Kyoto Women's University
Takiguchi Tomoko, Kyoto Women's University
Project Directors:
Dr Maezaki Shinya, Associate Professor,Kyoto Women's University
