Card case made of paper that cannot be torn - Kurotani-washi (Japanese Paper)

"This card case will not be torn even if it gets wet." - This description attracted my attention because the card case is made of paper.  More accurately, it is made of Kurotani-washi (黒谷和紙）, or handmade Japanese paper produced through traditional processes in Ayabe-shi, located in the Northern area of Kyoto prefecture.

The description says the paper used for the product contains glue made from Konjak (edible plant of Araseae family, eaten mainly in Japan, China, and some other Asian countries), which is traditionally added to paper in the course of production process for the purpose of reinforcement and waterproofing.

Even if such reinforcement is not provided, washi is said to be much stronger than Eastern paper due to the difference in the material.  The strength and flexibility of Japanese paper have been recognized worldwide, and it has been utilized for restoration of cultural properties - even in the libraries and museums in Europe!

Returning to the story of the card case, this product does not make me feel "tradition" although it has the gentle texture of washi, maybe because of its horizontal stripe pattern with cool charcoal blue which are not seen very often in typical Japanese traditional products.  I find, in this modern design on the historical craft, an effort of young craftsman who is attempting to continue the history of Kurotani-washi.

The creator of this card case is Mr. Wataru Hatano.  You can check his delicate and beautifully colored paper products on his website. 

According to Japan Handmade Washi Association, the history of Japanese washi paper started　from about 1000 years ago in some places, and there are as many as over 70 places famous for washi paper production.  I hope I will be able to introduce washi products created in other places some time.