Showerthought: My Kyoto trip has me doubting the European paper hype

Honestly, so many bookbinders I know only buy paper from Italy or France for high end projects. Tbh, after visiting the washi workshops in Kyoto, I saw a level of craft that really makes me question that. The way they handle mulberry bark and the finish on the sheets is just different. Ngl, I think we should travel more to see what else is out there.

3 comments

3 Comments

the_jade1mo ago

Ever think washi beats European paper?

phoenixg641mo ago

Washi vs European paper? Not WORTH the fuss.

paul7741mo ago

What gets me is how washi deals with humidity. European sheets can feel a bit fussy in damp weather, but that mulberry paper stays crazy stable. It's a totally different mindset for book conservation in some climates, you know?