About the Kimonos

These exquisite and unique paper kimonos are made using chiyogami, momigami, and washi, (Japanese Paper) featuring popular designs from the Edo period (1600-1868). Each Kimono presents the appearance of fabric but is actually beautiful patterned paper.

I first make templates of varying sizes for each pattern piece of the kimono. 11 templates are used for each kimono. The templates are laid on the patterned paper, which is then cut, folded, backed, glued, layered with precision. The same steps are repeated for the lining of the kimono because of the delicacy of the paper. The paper must be matched to the original delicate paper. The kimonos are made exactingly as an authentic cloth kimono.

Each work of art reflects the theme of my collection which is to enrich the world with the unique influences of traditional Japanese paper art and to re-introduce the ancient art of the kimono.

About the paper used:

Master craft artisans in Japan using traditional and modern techniques make the high quality papers. By the late 1800's there were more than 100,000 families making paper by hand. Then with the introduction from Europe of mechanized papermaking technology and as things "Western" became sought after, production declined until 1983, when only 479-papermaking families were left. As time goes on, modern technology replaces much of the traditional process. Still there are those papermakers left who will not compromise. According to the Japanese, "Things of excellence shall not die".

Japanese Paper -The names of Japanese paper refer to the fiber base utilized, papermaking technique, papermaking family, paper description, or the purpose for which the paper was originally used. A part of the name often includes a term denoting paper. These terms include kami, gami, and shi.

Washi - literally means Japan or ancient Japan (wa) paper (shi). This is a general term for Japanese handmade paper produced using traditional techniques. Washi is known for its strength and beauty. A more complete term is Tesuki Washi, which translates to handmade (Tesuki) Japanese paper.

Chiyogami - Literally, thousand generations (chiyo) paper (gami). Chiyogami is highly decorative stenciled or printed paper. This paper was originally printed using wooden blocks. Current methods also include silk screening. Traditional prints are often emblems of long life and happiness (cranes and tortoises) or auspicious symbols of good fortune (pine trees, flowering plum trees and bamboo). Chiyogami designs may also symbolize every day life, events and activities.

Momigami - Literally means wrinkled, crumbled (momi) paper (gami). This is a thick high quality Kozo paper that is often treated with root of Devil's Tongue (konnyaku) before being wrinkled, rubbed and stretched.. This paper is often used for Kamiko (paper clothing)