Washi Envelopes - Sumi

This Japanese paper envelope is one of many products created at the Shobu Gakuen support centre in Kagoshima, which offers a safe, welcoming environment for people with learning disabilities, and which promotes interaction with local communities through collaboration, and creative and cultural activities. These washi envelopes were made in workshops in papermaking studios, part of Shobu Gakuen’s mission to support independent work and creative expression. To create washi, a viscous substance made from plants is added to a pulp mixture made from plant fibres and water, then placed onto a bamboo-netted frame screen that is rocked back and forth and from side to side so that the mixture flows over the screen. Differences in motion produce washi of varying texture.

There may be individual difference as each piece is handmade.

Size: approx. L21.5 cm x W15.6 cm

Kyūshū and Okinawa

This is Japan’s south-west region including the island of Kyūshū and the sub-tropical island chain of Okinawa. Kyūshū was an early centre of Japanese civilization, and offers many historic treasures, modern cities and volcanic natural beauty. It is home to the ports of Kagoshima, Nagasaki and Fukuoka, the porcelain manufacturing centre in Arita and the Tanegashima Space Center launch site.