Chiyogami
A Japanese Patterned Paper
Chiyogami is a type of Japanese paper. It is generally brightly colored patterned paper that is woodblock-printed. Chiyogami is commonly used today for projects like covering small boxes and books, creating origami, and making kimonos for paper dolls (anesama). The use of chiyogami through time in paper kimonos has led its evolution to follow kimono fabric patterns. Since it is much cheaper then washi paper, chiyogami is often the printed paper of choice for origami artists.
The word chiyogami can be broken down to 'chiyo' meaning a thousand generations, and 'gami' meaning paper.
What is Chiyogami?
Chiyogami, from the words 'chiyo' meaning 'thousand generation' and 'gami' and meaning 'paper', is a traditional Japanese paper. Chiyogami is stenciled or printed with a traditional Japanese motif usually in bright colors and patterns. Chiyogami is also known as "yuzen paper".
In Japan, during the Edo period (1603-1867), many established papermaking centers created chiyogami. Because it was cheaper then washi paper, it was preferred by many.
Chiyogami can be found with both ancient and modern designs. They may include traditional and natural themes such as waves, clouds, flowers, birds, and honeycombs, or they could be geometric or have more modern man-made motifs like kawaii. They also may include metallic colors, especially gold.
Chiyogami is a strong and a flexible paper usually the weight is about 70 grams per square meter (gsm).
Chiyogami paper has been traditionally used for crafts, like pepper dolls or anesama for example. It is also used in the binding of books books, the covering for small objects like small boxes, the lining of custom envelopes, and other paper projects like collages, decoupage, and stationary.
Because of it's vivid colors, chiyogami is often the paper of choice for origami enthusiasts.
Projects You Can Do
With a sheet or two of chiyogami, you can get started on one of many traditional or modern crafts.
- Handmade Invitations - Design, Create, Make Your Own - Design Studio
Handmade Invitations designed and created by you, with a little help from us. That's the philosophy behind our design studio. We've asked our artists in our design studio to create a collection of distinctive, beautiful handmade invitations. Step by - Egg Decorating Kit
This package contains all the items you need to create beautiful two Washi Eggs: 4 Pieces of Chiyogami Paper, Two Wooden Eggs, Paint Brush, Gloss Glaze, Two Presentation Stands and Illustrated Instructions in English. The only thing you will need to - Leaf Journal Book Binding
HGTV - Learn how to bind your own journal lined with chiyogami. - Shizen Paper Crafts
Several kits available for chiyogami crafts...paper dolls, picture kits, boxes, ... - Anesama Ningyoo
Traditional Paper Dolls In the Japanese feudal society, the common people were stuck within the social class in which they were born. These dolls were a way for young girls of the lower social classes to be a part of those other classes even if on
A Few Great Books
Links
- Etsy :: Chiyogami
Beautiful handmade items for sale over at etsy incorporating chiyogami. - Ming Ling
Ming Ling gives us some patterns we can print out and work with. - Chiyogami Monday
Chiyogami Monday - An active group of Chiyogami enthusiasts. - Articles And Tips For Designing Invitations - Category: Japanese Decorative Papers
An informational resource for designing invitations & event communications - Non dairy Diary: chiyogami express
Welcome to my illustration blog. I'm not really concerned by lactose intolerance, but can I draw you a giraffe? - Canon 3D Papercraft - Origami
Use this page to download free 3D papercraft patterns. Learn about the science and culture of the world by building it yourself!
Origami
- Origami
Visit The Village if you need a designer for print or web-based projects. If you're just browsing, stop in and tour the section on origami, the art of paper-folding. - Learn Origami Folding Instructions From Free Origami VIDEOS
Can't visualize the diagrams? Use our free easy origami folding instructions to make all sorts of fun origami designs. Our step by step videos make learning easy.
Chiyogami Paper Shops
Order the real thing. These shops have beautiful paper for sale. Buy a few sheets, or be simply inspired with their art.
- Japanese Paper Place
Chiyogami (Yuzen) Papers at The Japanese Paper Place featuring over 707 beautiful patterns. - LCI Paper
Chiyogami Paper - Decorative, Exotic Patterned Papers This lovely decorated paper is silkscreened by hand with vibrant colors. Many of today's Chiyogami patterns are based on traditional Japanese designs, including flowers, butterflies and bamboo. A - PaperMojo.com
An amazing selection of Chiyogami Paper: Decoupage Paper Prints and Japanese Sheets - The Paper Studio Online Store
Japanese papers are commonly called Chiyogami Paper, Yuzen Paper and Washi Paper. Historically, Yuzen was for textile patterns and Chiyogami were repetitive wood block patterns but today, in the United States, both terms are used interchangeably. W - Chiyogami paper from Aiko's of Chicago offering imported handcrafted Japanese papers and more.
Aiko's of Chicago offering Japanese and Chinese Oriental Asian Handcrafted papers. - Chiyogami Japanese Paper, Yuzen Wholesaler, Monograms Fine Papers, Australia
Chiyogami Japanese paper (Yuzen) supplier for stationery and paper craft. Monograms Fine Papers, Brisbane Australia. - Artwise Amazing Paper - Artwise Amazing Paper - Chiyogami
Beautiful and unusual A4 paper and card, including oriental papers. Wide range of envelopes. Bookbinding materials. Do-it-yourself stationery for all occasions. - Amoeba Art Shop::Japanese Paper - Chiyogami
Amoeba Art Shop, an independently owned and operated art & craft supply store located in the Mt. Airy neighborhood of Philadelphia, PA. - New York Central has an unparalleled assortment of the finest artists and decorative papers in the U
New York Central Art Supply stocks fine art and decorative papers from all over the world in sheets and rolls, and at times in pads and blocks. Japanese decorative papers are first among peers and are almost always instantly recognizable. We have an - Chiyogami Paper > Tansu Japanese Chiyogami
Tansu offers a wide variety of beautiful chiyogami paper to choose from so that you might create all types of becautiful chiyogami hand made books, hand made cards, or origami models. - Talas Online
Gorgeous selection of paper available! - Japanese Paper Australia - Welcome To Shizen Paper Creations - Fine Japanese Papers & Crafts
Welcome to the wonderful world of fine Japanese Paper Australia,crafts and giftware. At Shizen Paper Creations we aim to provide you with an exclusive range of Japanese papers plus an exquisite variety of Japanese homewares, fashion accessories and u
