Keep it long, treasure it long.

A large tree that grows freely.

Echizen City in Fukui Prefecture is one of Japan's oldest washi (Japanese paper) production areas, boasting a history of approximately 1500 years. Its name is preserved in ancient documents from the Shosoin, and it has long been known for producing paper as offerings to the imperial court and as official paper for the Edo shogunate. Yamaji Paper Mill has been crafting handmade washi since its establishment in the first year of the Meiji era.

The "Uki-gami" (floating paper) produced by Yamaji Paper Mill is based on traditional hand-making techniques, featuring textures designed from digital data etched onto the paper's surface. The pattern's appearance changes with the angle of light, and when touched, the distinct contours can be felt at your fingertips. The three-dimensional look of the contours, which appears more pronounced than typical embossing, is a result of a unique technique developed by the mill. The colors are dyed using pigments that resist fading, typically used for dyeing kimono, allowing you to enjoy vibrant hues for a long time. This is a new form of washi born from the fusion of traditional craftsmanship rooted in a 1500-year-old production area and the precision of digital technology.

Everyday Scenes as Patterns

The Uki-gami panels are crafted by combining the hand-making techniques of Echizen washi with the textured processing designed from digital data, framed in a wooden frame. The size is 80×52 cm, maximizing the dimensions of handmade washi. Unlike smaller products like tea canisters, the overall pattern and texture appear as if they are a single piece of art. The texture of the washi and the three-dimensional patterns add a material richness to your interior space.

The design is by Mr. Taniguchi of Yamaji Paper Mill, who is both a designer and a washi craftsman. Mr. Yamashita, a traditional craftsman at Yamaji Paper Mill, previously worked as a craftsman in a Kyoto stencil-dyeing workshop, incorporating that technique into the current coloring process. In stencil dyeing, there is a book called a sample book that compiles patterns and color samples. Many of the patterns are inspired by trees and flowers, and this "Tree" design is a reinterpretation based on a tree motif that left a strong impression on Mr. Taniguchi. The motif is large with ample negative space, making it challenging to create as Uki-gami, as slight distortions can easily occur during the hand-making process. Typically, efforts are made to minimize distortions in Uki-gami production, but here, those differences are embraced as individual variations that machines cannot replicate. No two pieces are the same, and the tree motif harmonizes well with both traditional Japanese spaces and Scandinavian interiors.

The production and finishing of the wooden frames are also carried out within the region. The frames are made by a workshop that has been crafting tools for washi production, while the framing is handled by a framer who also works on hanging scrolls for local shrines and temples. The three elements that make up this panel—paper, wooden frame, and framing—are all produced locally, showcasing the skills and craftsmanship that remain in this area.

You can choose from three colors: Natural, Gray Sakura, and Rikyucha (a shade of tea). The Natural color is unbleached and untreated (with a transparent coating to reduce dirt and fluff), showcasing the inherent texture of the Uki-gami. From a distance, the pattern is subtle, becoming visible as you approach, offering a color that does not overpower. The addition of Gray Sakura brings a vibrant expression, while the grayish-brown of Rikyucha blends seamlessly into any space, whether traditional or modern. Combine your favorite colors and patterns to create a unique piece just for you.

Bringing Washi into Modern Life

Founded in the first year of the Meiji era, Yamaji Paper Mill is a manufacturer of handmade artistic small-format washi based in Echizen City, Fukui Prefecture. Initially, the mill produced plain papers such as "Housho" (official letter paper), and around 1950, it began manufacturing patterned small-format washi with techniques like "Hikkake," "Suki-awase," and "Nagashikomi." Amid the transition from washi to Western paper in Japanese life, the brand was established with the desire to preserve the 1500-year-old hand-making techniques of Echizen while discovering new uses and possibilities for washi. To ensure that the inherited skills are passed on to the next generation, the mill continues to create products that blend traditional hand-making techniques with modern digital technology, adapting to contemporary lifestyles.