Treasures from Tosa

Earlier this February, I had the chance to visit Kochi Prefecture, a place I had long dreamed of seeing. It is about a two-hour flight from Tokyo and is famous as the home of Tosa Washi.

The goshuincho notebooks offered at Attic Nat are made in Tosa, and the Tosa washi I discovered there has also become one of the materials I use for the Ikkanbari hats I have been creating recently.

While I was there, I visited the Paper Museum and even tried papermaking myself. It was a wonderful experience to see firsthand how traditional Japanese paper is made.

The museum shop carried many beautiful varieties of Tosa washi in different colors and patterns. Each sheet was stunning, but also quite luxurious. Instead of buying large sheets, I chose a bundle of assorted offcuts—a generous collection of Tosa washi pieces in many sizes, colors, and designs.

Since my goal has always been to create one-of-a-kind pieces, I enjoy the challenge of working with small amounts of paper and finding creative ways to make the most of every piece.

Tosawashi , Washi paper from Tosa Kochi Japan

The mustard-yellow washi shown here, with its dotted pattern, has a surprisingly modern feel. Yet it is authentic Tosa washi, handmade using traditional techniques. Every sheet in the collection is beautiful, but today I used this mustard-yellow paper together with a deep green washi containing tiny iridescent flecks that shimmer like an aurora.

Using these papers, I created components for a new pair of earrings. I am looking forward to finishing them and sharing them in the shop soon.

-Nat