Light
HAYASHI KOUGEI's paper lantern
Located in the birthplace of the traditional craft "Gifu Chochin" lanterns in Mino region, Gifu, Japan, HAYASHI KOUGEI has been employing traditional techniques since 1949 to create WASHI [traditional Japanese paper] interior products that blend beauty and functionality. Their factory, which consistently handles production in-house, is likely one of the few nationwide dedicated to this craft.
Located in the birthplace of the traditional craft "Gifu Chochin" lanterns in Mino region, Gifu, Japan, HAYASHI KOUGEI has been employing traditional techniques since 1949 to create WASHI [traditional Japanese paper] interior products that blend beauty and functionality. Their factory, which consistently handles production in-house, is likely one of the few nationwide dedicated to this craft.
History of Mino WASHI
Mino WASHI with a tradition dating back 1300 years, has its roots in at least the Nara period (710-794 AD). In the province of Mino, the raw material for paper, Kozo (paper mulberry), was of high quality, and it was believed that a significant amount was obtained. During the Heian period (794-1185), Mino significantly contributed to paper production, and this tradition continued to thrive through the Edo period (1603-1868), with papermaking not being indiscriminately licensed. With the Meiji Restoration, spanning both the late Edo period and the beginning of the Meiji era (1868-1912), the restrictions were lifted, even leading to a sudden surge in the paper industry.
However, subsequent challenges like economic downturns, the Nobi Earthquake in 1891, and wartime capital and labor shortages had a negative impact on the Mino WASHI production. From the post-war Taisho period (1912-1926) onwards, competition with machine-made paper and the influx of petroleum-based products also posed significant challenges. To promote handmade washi paper, the Mino Handmade Washi Paper Cooperative was established in 1983 during the Showa era (1926-1989). Efforts have been made to incorporate new improvements into traditional techniques and continue to pass down these skills to future generations.
