Entire books can - and have - been written about this paper, but there is simply room here to mention that it is the dense interlocking mat of very fine mulberry fibres (kozo) that makes it special for us printmakers. Click on the three closeup images below (especially the third one) to see what I mean. The red pigment of his family seal is sitting up on top of the paper in that image, but when we printmakers use our barens on it, the pigments are driven down deeply into that fibre mat, but without crushing it, thus leaving a wonderfully textured surface to the finished print.

Iwano-san provides us with these examples of his craft, considering them not 'samples', but actual 'works'. He made them, and he sealed them. This is his art. A few years ago, he was made a 'Living National Treasure', under circumstances that were somewhat unusual. His father before him had that designation, and as the culture authorities usually like to 'spread things around the country', it was far from a foregone conclusion that he would be honored that way. But his reputation is such that he could not be passed over.

Without paper like this, none of the other prints in this catalogue could have come into existence. We hope you enjoy this 'small' treasure as much as we do!

The catalogue entry for this paper.