Washi-The Pleasures of Paper

Japanese paper is prized for the unique patterns of the fibers on each sheet. Today, washi is finding growing use in interior decoration schemes, reflecting a broader trend, particularly among young people, to get back in touch with Japanese culture. Traditional items such as fusuma sliding doors made from opaque paper and shoji panels, which are translucent, are selling well, as are washi curtains and lamp shades, which diffuse light and make a room look warm and cozy. Single sheets of paper are also in big demand, as more and more people line tables and shelves with washi and discover that it offers an inexpensive way to give a room a special touch.