What Is Chiyogami Paper? The Ancient Japanese Art Behind My Collages

By Reut Akerman, Brookline Massachusetts 2023

There is a quiet, rhythmic sound in my studio that I've come to love. It is the soft sliding of high-quality washi paper against itself. When I first discovered chiyogami paper, I didn't just see patterns. I saw stories. These papers are the heartbeat of my work at ArtbyReut. Often, people ask me why I don't just use standard scrapbook paper or digital prints. The answer lies in the thousand-year-old history and the tactile soul of japanese paper art.

The Heritage of Yuzen and Chiyogami

In the world of japanese decorative paper, two names stand out: Chiyogami and Yuzen. While the terms are often used interchangeably today, they have beautiful distinct roots. Chiyogami originally referred to the repetitive woodblock patterns developed during the Edo period. These were the "papers of a thousand generations," often mimicking the intricate designs found on high-end kimono fabrics.

Yuzen paper is inspired by the hand-painting techniques of fan artists. When you look closely at a piece of Yuzen in my studio, you're seeing a masterpiece of screen-printing. Each color is applied using a separate silk screen. There is a weight to it and a richness that comes from the pigmented inks and the occasional flash of gold leaf that catches the afternoon light on my desk. It isn't just a supply. It is the foundation of every washi paper collage I create.

Sourcing from the Source

I am quite particular about where my papers come from. I source my materials directly from traditional Japanese suppliers who still use the fibers of the gampi tree, mitsumata shrub, or mulberry. When a new shipment arrives in Boston, the first thing I do is touch them. I look for the "give" of the paper. The weight needs to be substantial enough to hold its shape when I layer it 20 or 30 times deep, but delicate enough to cut with precision.

I find myself drawn to patterns that feel timeless, like the blue sea waves representing surges of good luck or the hemp leaf symbolizing growth. Selecting the palette is the most meditative part of my day. I'll spend hours pairing a deep indigo Yuzen with a soft, flecked cream washi. I am looking for that perfect balance of color and texture before the first pencil sketch even hits the board.

From Flat Sheets to Three-Dimensional Chiyogami Art

The magic happens when these flat, beautiful sheets begin to stack. My process is slow. In a world that feels increasingly digital and rushed, chiyogami art demands patience. I start with a simple pencil composition, but as I begin cutting and layering, the piece takes on a life of its own. Because I use hand-layered techniques, the art gains a physical depth. There is a slight shadow cast by a petal or the raised texture of a golden crane's wing.

This is why the traditional craft matters so much to me. You can feel the humanity in it. Each piece of japanese paper art carries the legacy of the artisans in Japan who made the paper and my own hands as I've reinterpreted it into a modern collage. It's a bridge between centuries, and I feel so lucky to share that connection with you through my shop.

If you'd like to see how these textures look when they're finished, you can browse my latest chiyogami paper creations over at my Etsy shop.