Make traditional Tosa washi paper using a recycling technique

After arriving at Tosawashi Inoue Tesuki Kobo, you will be welcomed by Mrs Inoue, the current 4th generation washi maker and will have a tour of the atelier where handmade high quality paper is produced using traditional techniques. Mrs Inoue will explain about the history and characteristics of Tosa washi and will show you the raw material kozo (paper mulberry), the bark of which is used for making Japanese paper. The experience will continue with a demonstration of almost all steps in washi paper making – something that is rare to see in most other washi studios. Mrs Inoue will show you how kozo bark is boiled, cleaned off the impurities, and beaten with a stick. You will also see how the gluing paste is made of the roots of tororoaoi (sunset hibiscus). Finally, you’ll try your hands at beating old washi paper and dissolving it in water to produce new paper art: either a colorful Tapestry, a paper lamp shade or a paper bag. Local tea and sweets served at the end will wrap up the experience.

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