29 | Iwano Heizaburo Washi

TEL: 0778-42-0042

Continuing the Long Tradition of the Uchigumo, Tobigumo, and Mizutama Decorative Techniques

The first-generation Iwano Heizaburo developed a type of paper made from hemp. This paper, known as Kumohada Mashi, or "cloud skin" hemp paper, was designed for Nihonga paintings. Iwano Heizaburo III inherited this tradition to produce paper for art, including his progenitor's Kumohada Mashi; the paper from this historic workshop has been beloved by famous modern Nihonga artists, including Hirayama Ikuo and Higashiyama Kaii.

This workshop is also the modern inheritor of Uchigumo, Tobigumo, and Mizutama, old decorative Echizen Washi techniques, which were recognized by Fukui Prefecture as intangible cultural properties in 1975. Today, this workshop continues to produce paper beloved by Nihonga artists and calligraphers.