[Printing] The charm of Awa Washi paper and mulberry leaves
PHOTOPRI is a professional printing service that helps you "give shape to your work."
Every day, we support the creation of many artists, photographers, and illustrators.
This time, we will introduce the characteristics of Awa Washi, a type of paper with a deep character that is one of the many types of paper, by showing some printing examples using thick, natural-colored kozo paper .
Can you print on washi paper? How is it different from regular photo paper?
Many people probably didn't know that it was possible to print on washi paper.
There are many people who prefer to use washi paper when creating their works, and I feel that especially in this day and age when digital expression is everywhere, more and more artists are choosing washi paper because of the texture, warmth, and unique presence that their works have as physical "objects."
It means "daring to print" a photo.
It means that it remains in a tangible form.
We believe that the traditional Japanese material "washi" perfectly fits the philosophy that PHOTOPRI upholds.
Awagami Factory's "Thick Kozo" series is particularly special because it is not just a printing paper, but also gives you a sense of the history of washi paper, which goes back over 1,300 years, and has the traces of artisanal work and the warmth that can only be achieved with natural materials.
When I actually printed on it, I found that although it wasn't as sharp as photo paper, it was good at expressing a unique atmosphere.
The history of Awa washi paper
The history of Awa washi dates back to the Nara period, approximately 1,300 years ago.
It is said that the origins of the craft date back to when the Awa Inbe clan, who served the Imperial Court, began cultivating hemp and paper mulberry in the area around present-day Yoshinogawa City, Tokushima Prefecture, and producing paper and cloth.
The quality of Awa washi paper has always been supported by the pure waters of the Yoshino River.
Awagami Factory, one of the Awa washi paper manufacturers
Awagami Factory , the manufacturer, continues this long history. Run by the Fujimori family, which has been in the papermaking business for over 300 years, the company has managed to preserve traditional techniques while also innovating to keep up with modern inkjet technology.
His achievements have been highly praised both at home and abroad, and he can be said to truly embody the tradition of Awa washi paper.
[Awa Washi] Kozo thick natural paper specifications
Paper specifications
| attribute | specification |
|---|---|
| manufacturer | Awa Washi (Awagami Factory) |
| raw material | Paper mulberry, wood pulp |
| Basis weight (U.S. tsubo) | 110 g/m² |
| paper thickness | 0.23 mm |
| color | Natural (Kinari) - Warm off-white |
A texture where "roughness and beauty" coexist
The most distinctive feature of this paper is its surface texture.
When held up to the light, the long, tangled kozo fibers create an irregular pattern, and this "roughness" is proof that the piece was made by hand from natural materials.
While regular photo paper expresses the work in a straightforward manner, this washi paper has a warmth that gently "envelops" the work.
The meaning of "kinari"
The color of the paper itself is not pure white, but "natural," which means that the original color of the raw material is not bleached.
This warm base color blends with the colors of the various works, bringing the entire piece together in a harmonious tone.
It is particularly well suited to monochrome portraits and landscape photographs, which express a sense of warmth.
💫 Tips on compatibility between paper and data
The base color of "Genuine" will affect the color of your work, for better or worse.
In particular , the purple becomes deeper and more subdued, while the blue takes on a slightly greenish nuance .
On the other hand, warm colors such as cream will have a stronger color intensity and will look more impressive .
Commitment to long-term preservation: the value of archival quality
The long, strong fibers of kozo give the paper excellent durability and long-term preservation.
When combined with the genuine Epson inks used in PHOTOPRI, which have long-term light resistance, your work will be of archival quality, with the long-term preservation required for museum collections.
[Awa Washi Paper, Natural Kozo] Printing Points
Special giclee printing made possible by washi paper
Awagami Factory's inkjet washi paper has a special ink-receiving layer on the surface, which controls ink bleeding.
Printing services such as PHOTOPRI use printers that excel at high-resolution printing, so the ink sits on the surface of the paper and blends in with the unevenness of the fibers, creating a natural texture that looks as if it had been dyed from the beginning.
This is an expression unique to giclee printing and Japanese paper, which gives digital data a warm texture.
PHOTOPRI's RGB printing eliminates color concerns
The base color of Awa Washi Paper Kozo affects the color of the work.
Many people may be worried that the color they have carefully chosen will fade away.
PHOTOPRI will solve that worry.
While many printing services use the CMYK color mode as their base, PHOTOPRI supports direct printing in Adobe RGB or sRGB, the digital camera standard.
Typical CMYK conversions tend to lose color gamuts, especially vibrant blues, greens, and purples.
When printing with CMYK on washi paper, which already has a special base color, the colors can easily become distorted and the finished product can end up looking dull.
PHOTOPRI's RGB direct printing maximizes the color information contained in the original data and allows washi paper to express it to the fullest extent possible, without converting to CMYK.
In other words, by minimizing the "colour settling of prints on washi paper", printing with PHOTOPRI will give you "prints that make the most of the potential of washi paper".
Recommended genres
- Photography: Warm portraits, emotional landscapes such as fog and twilight, and monochrome works that require rich gradation.
- Illustrations: Digital works in the style of ink painting and Japanese painting, botanical art, and picture books.
- Reproduction: a copy of an original work on a paper support, such as a watercolor painting or drawing.
Comparison Perspective - Finding the Perfect Image for Your Project
To better understand the unique value of this washi paper, let's compare it with other representative papers.
| Features | [Awa Washi] Kozo, thick, natural | Glossy Photo | Fine Art Rough |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texture | Rough fibrous texture | Smooth | Velvet-like |
| Surface Finish | Matte, non-reflective | High gloss, reflective | Matte, non-reflective |
| Sharpness | Soft and gentle depiction | High sharpness | High sharpness |
| Vividness of color | Calm, warm color |
High saturation and contrast |
Rich, wide color gamut |
| Ideal for | Emotional expression | High-impact commercial photography | Museum-quality fine art |
It's not about which paper is better, but which paper will best express your work . That's the key to choosing paper.
Washi paper offers texture and warmth in exchange for sharpness and saturation.
For example, it's similar to using a film camera instead of the latest digital camera.
Recommended guide before you actually order
It is recommended to check the form in advance to avoid any mistakes.
The secret to printing your work using art paper, which often has unique characteristics, is to touch the actual paper and, if possible, check a test print before going live.
This is a way to avoid risk, but we recommend it because you may discover new expressions or unexpected discoveries.
Here are two ways to check PHOTOPRI's art paper in advance.
1. First, try out the actual product with the "All Paper Samples"
PHOTOPRI offers swatch samples of all papers for 550 yen.
Experience with your own eyes and fingers the thickness, texture, and delicate colors that cannot be conveyed on a monitor.
Order all paper samples
2. Use "Test Print" to actually print your work
And the best thing we recommend is the "trial print".
By actually printing your own work data in A5 size, you can see for yourself the color reproduction, compatibility with textures, and the overall atmosphere of the work when printed.
There is also a first-time discount, so 90% of PHOTOPRI users use this service to choose their paper.
Try a test print
Finishing that makes the most of washi paper
The value of a printed work changes greatly depending on how it is displayed. We will introduce specific finishing methods to make the most of the unique atmosphere of washi paper.
The wooden panel processing allows for a minimalist, frameless display, further highlighting the texture of the washi paper.
Choose a frame that suits the atmosphere of the work.
In particular, frames with matting give the work an elegant atmosphere and naturally draw the viewer's attention to the work.
Would you like to try printing Awa Washi paper made from natural mulberry?
Awa Washi, Kozo, Thick, Natural, is not just printing paper.
This paper is imbued with Japanese tradition and the craftsmanship of artisans, and is a distinctive piece that will broaden the range of expression in your work.
At PHOTOPRI, we believe that the true value of washi paper as a work of art can only be realized by combining technology, expertise, and above all, a support system that is close to the artist .
Why not try printing Awa Washi Paper, Kozo, Natural Paper using your own work data?
We hope you will try out printing on washi paper, even if it's just by trying out a full paper sample or a trial print.
