Japanese Handmade Paper

CXD offer Nao papers from the paper source established by Naoki Sakamoto to promote traditionally made Japanese papers. They are of consistent quality, free of impurities such as mechanical wood pulp or iron particles caused by poor materials and drying methods common to cheaper Far Eastern imitations. The special properties of traditional Japanese paper in general have long been recognised by Western conservators: low weight, long fibre, porosity, translucence and also exceptional permanence deriving from the purity achieved in their manufacture. The pH value of the papers from Paper Nao range from 6.3 to 9.5.

The Nao papers available from CXD are made from the inner bark of three tree types peculiar to Japan: Kozo, (a type of mulberry) Gampi and Mitsumata (both are species of Ginchoge). Kozo pulp fibres are typically three times longer than those found in traditionally made European papers. Paper Nao’s products are available in rolls and sheets.

Paper Nao’s rolls are produced on a unique stainless steel machine. These paper rolls are often preferred over hand made sheets for repairing or lining brittle machine made papers which have a definable grain direction.

Typical characteristics of paper

Kozo Fibre: Very long fibre. Durable with its own special sheen. Most frequently used type in Japan.
Gampi Fibre: Durable, thin almost transparent, excellent wet strength, lustrous surface. Traditional uses include gold and silver leaf productions.
Mitsumata Fibre: Used particularly in smooth or soft papers, suitable for calligraphy. Relatively less durable than other papers. Mitsumata fibres are sometimes combined with others.

Applications
• Handmade Kozo Papers (K31 - 37) are all particularly suitable for conservation uses.
• Urushikoshi K93 is the thinnest handmade Japanese paper available.
• Mitsumata Hakuai Shi (M5) is very soft, and traditionally used for gold leaf backing and in decorative boxmaking.