1. Stencil dyeing > details
2. The more you use it, the more it appears glossy. > details
3. Although it is a “paper” , it is certainly waterproof! > details

1. Stencil dyeing ･････How to dye a pattern using a model.
Dye permeates to the inside of a model. Even when wrinkled/bent, a fine pattern is maintainable. It is the same dyeing technique done when making a kimono or a belt. Many processes are needed until it is dyed and completed.

The flow of Stencil dyeing
1.  Model engraving ....... draw a sketch on a tanned paper (shibugami), and carve a pattern with a chisel.
*Tanned paper: Japanese paper applied with persimmon juice for paper patterns that shall be used to make Japanese paper. This is stretched in several sheets and piled up. It is also strong in water.

2.  Placing paste....... Turn down the carved paper pattern on the Japanese paper. The resist-printing paste should be uniformly lengthened.
* Paste: mixed rice bran with rice cake powder and is made into the shape of paste.

3. Ground dyeing........ Dye the whole Japanese paper in which resist-printing paste was applied previously. Paint or vegetable dye is commonly used.

4. Carry Out Color Difference......... Put color into one portion of the Japanese Paper in which resist-printing paste was applied. Also, you can try to overlap one color over another.

5. Mizumoto ........ After dyeing and drying are completed, put it into a tank and dip for 1 to 2 hours. It is ready to wash when the resist-printing paste starts to float.

6.  Dryness and Result
Once the paper is dried, you have completed stencil dyeing.

2. The more you use it, the more it appears glossy.

Japanese paper has a peculiar texture that when dyed, cannot be eliminated as compared to normal printing. Glosses more as it is used. The more you keep it, the stronger you may feel attached to it.
Please enjoy a feel of handmade texture of each, an original pattern and tone.

3. Although it is a “paper” , it is certainly waterproof!

What do you think of when you hear the words ‘Japanese paper’?
―　Japanese paper for writing (calligraphy)
―　Japanese paper for a shoji (dividers)
―　Japanese paper for making origami
and the list goes on..

What makes the Etchu Japanese paper (Yatsuo paper) so tough?
That is because durable Japanese papers are used. The ones used back in the Edo period in Yatsuo area.
( > please also see the page ‘About Etchu’/history for details)
Although the processes from ancient times are still followed, original waterproofing and soil resistant finish are added now, and new Japanese paper products are made.