Anakawa

Anakawa refers to a type of traditional Japanese paper, known for its distinctive texture and often used in various crafts and artworks. The name "anakawa" itself can be translated to suggest a connection to "hollow" or "cave," hinting at the paper's natural, sometimes uneven surface. This paper is typically made from plant fibers, such as kozo (mulberry) or gampi, processed using traditional methods.

The production of anakawa involves careful preparation of the fibers, cooking, beating, and then spreading them thinly onto screens. The resulting sheets possess a unique tactile quality, often characterized by visible fiber inclusions and a slightly irregular edge. This natural aesthetic makes anakawa a popular choice for sumi-e painting, calligraphy, and decorative arts where a rustic or organic feel is desired. It is also used in bookbinding and for creating lampshades and screens due to its ability to diffuse light softly. The subtle variations in color and texture from sheet to sheet contribute to its artisanal appeal.