Awagami Washi inkjet paper
Of note for photographers and artists looking for a special presentation medium, Awagami Washi inkjet papers are now available in Canada.
The papers are carefully crafted with historic Japanese techniques which makes the papers fully archival and environmentally friendly.
Traditional Japanese papers, known as Washi, have been made by hand for more than 1,300 years in a region of Japan originally known as Awa. Now part of Tokushima Prefecture in Southern Japan, the venerable art of Washi has been modernized. The Fujimori family, owner of Awagami Washi, has been involved with the production for seven generations.
Made entirely from renewable resource fibres such as kozo, mitsumata, gampi and bamboo, the entire range of Awagami Washi is environmentally friendly and fully archival. Rather than cutting down trees and re-planting as is normal in the west, Awagami staff harvest the branches from the bushes on their own property – much in the way you would prune branches at the end of a growing season in your garden.
Each paper has its own unique characteristics that allow you to fine tune your image production.
Mitsumata Double Layered exhibits a smooth and elegant look with rich subtle gloss. To maximize the elegance of this paper, minimal coating is applied to the sheet.
Kozo is the main fibre used for Japanese washi and makes for extremely durable papers. Kozo is said to be particularly good for Asian style illustration and art.
Bizan is a matte handmade paper that is extraordinarily elegant. Each sheet has four organic deckled edges and reflects the characteristics of handmade washi. Bizan is a thick, heavyweight paper which many artists choose to display unframed.
AIJP Unryu paper reflects a soft and classic Japanese look due to its organic swirling Kozo fibers.
Inbe paper can be printed on both sides. Made with a refined mix of hemp and kozo fiber, each sheet features a subtle ‘laid’ pattern like that of antique papers. Recommended for printing fine books, antique reproductions, manuscripts and maps.
Kozo Double Layered is two-layered paper whose top printable sheet is made from 100 percent kozo. This top sheet may be peeled off from the bottom “release” sheet after printing to reveal an extraordinarily thin printed sheet. This is a paper particularly suitable for scroll painting and artwork that is to be backlit.
Awagami Bamboo is a fine organic choice for artist and photographer alike exhibiting notable benefits and advantages over cotton based papers. This dense but soft paper was originally developed for traditional printmaking and is made with the utmost care for longevity. Sheets (and rolls) have been specially coated for digital printing on both sides.
