Chikako IWANAGA

After staining with red bengara, a natural Japanese pigment, additional coats of non-aged persimmon tannin are applied. This preserves the red bengara color, a process not possible with persimmon alone.

The persimmon tannin color deepens and becomes richer over time.

Chikako Iwanaga

Persimmon varnish paper

・Hyogo

Artist's Story

Her vision is to launch the commercial production of a durable, water-resistant, animal-free, and sustainable leather substitute made from Japanese mulberry-based washi paper treated with persimmon tannen, and expand her Hyogo-based grassroots community mulberry cultivation project to other rural areas around Japan.
About the Craft

The craft is a leather substitute created by treating handmade, paper-mulberry bark-based Japanese washi paper and with persimmon tannin from green-harvested persimmons. The paper is created by scooping up mulberry bark fibers sulution. After the fruit is crushed, the resulting liquid is fermented between several months to several years fermenting it for several months to years, and pressing it to extract the tannin-rich liquid. This liquid is known as kakishibu, which provides antibacterial, water-resistant, and strengthening properties. Konnyaku starch powdes defive fom a rook ida is often to increase durability and resistance to water damage.

Persimmon varnish paper
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Persimmon varnish paper

It is then dyed black with pine smoke and then coated with layers of unripe persimmon tannin.
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The intensity of color is gradually increased by repeatedly dyeing and drying the paper in the sun.
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The intensity of color is gradually increased by repeatedly dyeing and drying the paper in the sun.
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These originally created washi paper geta clogs are dyed with persimmon tannin to give them greater durability and water resistance.
They are smooth and pleasant to the touch, and have anti-odor deodorant, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties.
The thong cords are made of the same kind of durable and environmentally friendly “ethical leather” used as upholstery in luxury brand cars.
The shoe soles are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They are non-slip even on wet surfaces and do not damage wooden floors.
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These originally created washi paper geta clogs are dyed with persimmon tannin to give them greater durability and water resistance.
They are smooth and pleasant to the touch, and have anti-odor deodorant, antibacterial, and anti-fungal properties.
The thong cords are made of the same kind of durable and environmentally friendly “ethical leather” used as upholstery in luxury brand cars.
The shoe soles are suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. They are non-slip even on wet surfaces and do not damage wooden floors.
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Nearly all of the residents of Taka Town in Hyogo Prefecture partake in a volunteer grassroots program supporting traditional washi paper production. With 1,900 participating households, each raising, maintaining, and annually harvesting one sustainable kozo (paper mulberry tree), the resulting raw material is then delivered to the Sugihara Paper Research Institute for washi production. The photo shows the kozo being peeled and dried in the sun.
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The washi paper used is called Sugihara-gami. This renowned paper is produced in Taka Town, Hyogo Prefecture, and is a designated Important Intangible Cultural Asset of Hyogo Prefecture.
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The drying of finished washi paper at the Sugihara Paper Institute.
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Washi is coated with a viscous plant-based substance for strength.
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A viscous plant-based substance is evenly coated.
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The dried paper is coated with a viscous natural root paste is coated and is then boiled.
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It is steamed to improve color penetration.
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Handmade Japanese washi paper is coated with a viscous plant-based substance, boiled, and then thoroughly rubbed and washed.
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wringing out the persimmon tannin-soaked washi, any remaining excess dye is removed with a brush, and the material is carefully smoothed to prevent unevenness.
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Persimmon tannin-treated washi is dried in the sun. The tannin in the persimmon reacts with ultraviolet rays to increase color and luster.
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Several coats of persimmon tannin are applied, followed by sun drying and mordanting to fix the color.
Next it is rinsed thoroughly in water. Washi which is treated with persimmon tannin is very durable and does not tear even when vigorously manipulated.
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The washi is soaked in persimmon tannin. The dye penetrates the paper through a kneading process.
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This is a table covered with easily maintained, water-resistant persimmon tannin-treated Japanese paper. This completely natural material ages well through use over time.
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