Gampi

Gampi is a traditional papermaking fiber used in washi, derived from the inner bark of certain shrubs in the genus Wikstroemia, native to East Asia. It is one of the three principal fibers historically used in washi, alongside kozo (mulberry) and mitsumata (Edgeworthia papyrifera).

Gampi paper is valued for its smooth surface, high translucency, and subtle gloss. The fibers are relatively short, producing a delicate, crisp sheet that takes ink and pigment with distinctive sharpness. Because of its delicate nature, gampi is often used in blends with other fibers to add luster and sheen rather than as the sole component of a sheet.

Processing involves harvesting the bark, followed by boiling, washing, and beating the fibers into pulp. The pulp is formed into sheets using traditional papermaking methods, and papers made from gampi are frequently unbleached or lightly bleached to preserve their natural warmth and glow.

In traditional Japanese crafts, gampi paper is prized for calligraphy, painting, high-quality stationery, and prints. Modern production remains relatively small and regional, making gampi papers more expensive than some other types. Contemporary papermakers often blend gampi with kozo or mitsumata to balance translucency, strength, and handling characteristics while maintaining the distinctive luster of gampi.