Futamata Washi is a handmade paper that has been produced in the Futamata district of Kanazawa for over 1,300 years. Tradition holds that it began during the Yoro era of the Nara period (717–724), when the monk Taicho opened a temple on Mount Ioyama, and it developed further during the Bunroku era (1592–1596) as a papermaking site protected for producing paper for official use by the Kaga domain. When Maeda Toshiie entered Kaga Province in 1583, he learned that Futamata was already a papermaking area, ordered paper from it, and extended his protection, and thereafter the Kaga domain is said to have used Futamata paper as its official ceremonial paper, 'goryoshi.' The climate of Futamata causes the kozo (paper mulberry) fibers to grow short, producing paper that is both strong and delicate in texture — a quality that has made it suitable for calligraphy paper, colored paper, foil-beating paper used in making Kanazawa gold leaf, and the prestigious Kaga hosho ceremonial paper. Today, local craftspeople still carry out the entire process from growing kozo to papermaking, preserving the traditional methods.
Origin
The origins of Futamata Washi are said to date back to the Yoro era of the Nara period (717–724). It is said to have begun when the monk Taicho, known for the Hakusan faith, opened a temple on Mount Ioyama and the technique of papermaking was transmitted at that time. Since then, the Futamata district of Kanazawa has developed as a papermaking area blessed with good water and kozo.
History
During the Bunroku era (1592–1596), Futamata was protected as a papermaking site producing official paper for the Kaga domain. When Maeda Toshiie entered Kaga Province in 1583, he learned that Futamata was already a papermaking area, ordered paper from it, and extended his protection, and thereafter the Kaga domain is said to have used Futamata paper as its official ceremonial 'goryoshi' paper. It developed under the domain's protection throughout the Edo period, and today local craftspeople continue to carry on the traditional methods.
Features
Kozo grown in the climate of Futamata has naturally short fibers, producing paper that is strong yet delicate and refined in texture. A wide range of washi is made here, from fine art and craft papers to everyday papers, including calligraphy paper, colored paper, foil-beating paper used in making Kanazawa gold leaf, and the prestigious Kaga hosho ceremonial paper.
Materials Used
Production Process
- 1
Growing and Harvesting Kozo
The raw material, kozo, is grown and harvested by the papermakers themselves.
- 2
Steaming and Peeling
The kozo is steamed, its bark peeled, and impurities other than the fiber are removed.
- 3
Papermaking (Kamisuki)
A bamboo screen frame is used to scoop up the fibers evenly, forming each sheet of paper one at a time.
- 4
Drying
The formed sheets are pasted onto boards and dried in the sun.
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Artisans & Workshops
加賀二俣和紙（齊藤博）
A craftsman who began making handmade colored washi under Sakamoto Soichiro in 1959 and has spent more than 60 years handling everything from growing kozo to papermaking. He is also active as a member of the nationwide group of twelve master papermakers.
How to Buy
- 紙あさくら（浅倉紙業株式会社）
- A creative washi specialty shop founded in 1897 with a workshop in Kanazawa. It plans and produces interior goods and wallpaper using washi including Futamata Washi.Where to buy →PR
Hands-on Experiences
紙すきの里まつり
石川県金沢市二俣町
A festival in the Futamata district held every year on the first Sunday of June, where visitors can try their hand at papermaking. For details on fees and reservations, contact the local organizers directly (tel. 076-236-1233).
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