The motivation behind the design – paper

The paper used in a shoji lamp, washi, is woven magic. It takes some of the light passing through for itself, yet the light is richer for it—softer, warmer, more inviting.

The paper makers who produce the most treasured papers in the world can produce incredibly fine sheets with a radiance from the pattern of the fibers that is their signature. Some of these washi masters are continuing in an unbroken line of artistry that stretches back for more than a thousand years. One of my favorite papers that I use in many of my lamps, Furuta Chochin, is a traditional lantern paper made by Mrs. Sayoko Furuta, who is from the Hon-Mino-Gami, an area where highly praised papers have been made since the year 702.

In 1969, the techniques of the Hon-Mino-Gami were designated as Important Cultural Properties, and five members of the community were selected as National Living Treasures of Japan. One is Mrs. Furuta, highly regarded among her peers for her ability to produce exceptional sheets from 100% kozo, a varity of mulberry that grows wild in Japan. Mrs. Furuta makes her papers only during the winter months when the cool temperatures result in a much finer, crisper sheet.

There are many fine sources of shoji in America. The best I have come across is New York Central Art Supply. They have an incredible paper department with hundreds of different kinds of shoji among their 3,000 papers, and publish an entire catalog devoted to fine art papers.
Tel: 1 (800) 950-6111; Web: www.NYCentralArt.com.

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