Japanese Washi paper is a cultural tradition that is more than 500 years old. Eriko Horiki preserves the crafts making but adds a modern touch to create a cultural tradition that generations 100 years from now will embrace.
By Betty Armstrong

According to historians, the Chinese introduced papermaking in Japan more than 1,300 years ago, but it was very fragile paper. In the year 610, the process was adapted to make a stronger paper out of materials natural to Japan. Washi papermaking evolved over time, becoming an integral part of Japanese culture as the skill set was passed from generation to generation. With only three communities still making Washi paper ....