A Traditional Japanese Craft - Edo Karakami

This video, titled "手技TEWAZA「江戸からかみ」Edo Karakami／伝統工芸 青山スクエア Japan traditional crafts Aoyama Square," introduces how traditional Edo Karakami is made.
The video was uploaded by "Japan Traditional Crafts Aoyama Square" (伝統工芸青山スクエア).

Edo Karakami is a traditional craft that involves decorating Japanese paper in various ways.
Washi (Japanese paper) has been closely related to Japanese art culture since ancient times.
Check out the video to learn more about the traditional techniques of washi paper that have been handed down in Japan since ancient times.

The History of Edo Karakami and Japanese Washi Culture

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The origin of washi dates back to the Heian period (794-1192) when it was used to write waka poems.
During medieval times, washi came to be used for decorating fusuma and folding screens, mainly in Kyoto.
In the Edo Period, due to the prosperity of the Tokugawa Shogunate, many Edo Karakami were made for Edo Castle and the residences of feudal lords.
As a result, many washi artisans emerged and began to produce high-quality Edo Karakami by hand.

After the Meiji Period, most of the printing blocks and paper stencils were lost due to earthquakes and air raids, but some of them have been reprinted by craftsmen and still exist today.

Traditional Edo Karakami - How It's Made

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Edo Karakami is made through various techniques, such as woodblock printing using woodblocks, textile printing using Ise katagami (pattern paper), brush-dyeing using brushes, and with hand sprinkled gold dust.
The designs of Edo Karakami reflect the culture of the Edo Period and the tastes of samurai and merchants at that time.
Even today, fusuma and the wallpaper of Japanese-style restaurants and hotels still use the elegant Edo Karakami techniques.

In the video, you can see various techniques, including woodblock printing at 0:52, brush painting at 1:06, paint making at 1:47, and woodblock printing at 2:31.

Where to Buy Edo Karakami

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Tokyo Matsuya (東京松屋), a long-established maker of Edo Karakami, is a washi wholesaler dealing in fusuma paper and interior washi made by skilled artisans.
On top of the large pieces of washi to decorate hotel entrances and guest rooms, Tokyo Matsuya also sells attractive accessories, such as uchiwa fans, ceremonial pouches, and New Year's decorations made of Edo Karakami, so be sure to check out their showroom and online shop.

You can see completed Edo Karakami at 4:04 in the video.

Summary of Edo Karakami, a Traditional Japanese Craft

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Washi is an industry that has developed alongside Japanese culture since ancient times.
In the video, you can see Yukio Koizumi, a traditional craftsman, making beautiful Edo Karakami.

We encourage you to incorporate items made with beautiful Edo Karakami, a traditional Japanese craft, into your daily life!