Bookmark fans found at a Japanese culture store near the north exit of NISHIOGIKUBO station.
They are made from a native bamboo and Washi, or traditional Japanese paper called Echizen Washi created in Fukui Prefecture. A craftsperson in Marugame City, Kagawa Prefecture, used the traditional hand-making method of Marugame fans, following the whole process from splitting the bamboo to sticking Washi on its frame.
Washi is made from fibers of tree bark such as those of “kozo” or paper mulberry and “mitsumata” or Oriental paper bush. The technique of paper-making was introduced to Japan from China in the early 7th century but it developed uniquely in Japan. Main characteristics of Washi are excellent preservation, durability and environment-friendliness.
Washi is now used for making not only calligraphy paper and paper sliding door but also clothing such as socks and wedding dresses.
しおりうちわ
JR西荻窪駅北口近くの、日本文化を繋ぐ店で見つけた「しおりうちわ」。
このうちわは、香川県・丸亀市在住の工芸家が、1本の国産の竹と福井県産の越前和紙を用いて、丸亀うちわの伝統的な手法により、竹を割く骨づくりから和紙の貼り付けまで全工程を手作りで仕上げたもの。
和紙はコウゾ、ミツマタなどの靭皮（じんぴ）の繊維を主原料とする。紙の製法は７世紀初に中国から導入されたが、日本で独自の発展を遂げた。その特長は、保存性、耐久性、環境適応性等にある。
今や和紙の使用は、書道用紙や障子ばかりでなく、靴下やウェディングドレスなどの衣料品の生産にまで広がっている。
