28 | Fukuda Washi

Tel: 0778-42-0463

An Echizen Washi Paper Workshop with 800 Years of Tradition Specializing in Sumi-nagashi Paper Marbling

This workshop is operated by Fukuda Tadao, the inheritor of sumi-nagashi marbling, one of the distinctive decorative techniques of Echizen Washi. In 2000, his work was recognized by Fukui Prefecture as an intangible cultural property.

The sumi-nagashi marbling technique is performed with brushes held in each hand, each of them loaded with crimson, indigo blue, black ink, or other dyes. A tub is filled with water and the tips of the brushes are dipped slightly into the water, creating a pattern of alternating rings on the surface. As the pattern begins to fill the surface of the water, the artisan blows gently on it to create complex patterns through the flow of the water, and then transfers this fine, complex pigment pattern to a sheet of washi paper by placing it on top and allowing it to soak up the pigments.