Printed paper (Japan)

Handprinted Japanese Elegance

Immerse yourself in centuries of Japanese craftsmanship with our authentic Chiyogami Yuzen Paper. Silkscreened by hand onto durable white Kozo paper, each sheet reflects the timeless elegance of traditional kimono fabrics. Featuring rich, brilliant pigments and luminous gold or silver overlays, these patterns are more than just decorative—they’re living art.

Crafted with natural Kozo fibers (Mulberry), Chiyogami offers a unique, textured feel and extraordinary strength—you can even sew on it! Each color is carefully applied in separate layers, dried between each pass, resulting in exceptional depth and fade-resistant vibrancy, even under sunlight.

Ideal for bookbinding, origami, card making, collage, and textile-inspired crafts, Chiyogami is as versatile as it is stunning. Every sheet is shipped rolled to ensure it reaches you in pristine condition. Bring the soul of Japan into your creations with these truly premium papers.

167 products

Discover the Story Behind Chiyogami

Chiyogami is a traditional Japanese paper with a rich history and stunning visual appeal — perfect for anyone who works with their hands and loves beauty in detail.

Originally handcrafted as woodblock prints during Japan’s Edo period (1603–1867), these patterned papers were inspired by the luxurious kimono fabrics worn by stylish women in cities like Kyoto. Rural papermakers admired these intricate designs and began recreating them on paper for decorative use in homes. Kyoto's Yuzen textile dyeing traditions were especially influential, and their elegance still shines through in modern Chiyogami.

Today, Chiyogami is silkscreen-printed by hand in small studios in and around Kyoto. Each sheet is a piece of living tradition — designed with precision, printed with care, and absolutely captivating to look at.

Traditional Meaning, Modern Use

Originally used to decorate small boxes, tea tins, and handmade paper dolls, Chiyogami has kept its fine-scale patterns and cultural symbolism. Many designs feature traditional Japanese motifs like:

  • Cranes for longevity
  • Cherry blossoms for life’s fleeting beauty
  • Bamboo for resilience
  • Pine branches for perseverance

Each symbol has a story — and adds thoughtful meaning to your creative work.

Why Artists Love Chiyogami

Chiyogami is a favourite around the world for its vibrant colours, detailed patterns, and flawless print quality. Artists, bookbinders, crafters, and origami enthusiasts all love working with it because it’s:

  • Rich in colour with deep, pigment-based inks
  • Printed by hand with precise alignment for multi-colour depth
  • Strong yet flexible – ideal for folding, cutting, gluing, and layering

Use it for:

  • Collage & mixed media
  • Bookbinding & journals
  • Origami & paper sculptures
  • Jewelry & gift wrapping
  • Decorative boxes & frames

The Craft Behind the Paper

Each sheet of Chiyogami is made using a traditional silkscreen process. Printers apply every colour separately, using specially mixed pigment inks and aligning the design with incredible precision. A single sheet might include up to 10 different colour layers — each hand-pulled and dried before the next is applied.

No other printed paper in the world compares. The craftsmanship, colour intensity, and endless variety make Japanese-made Chiyogami truly one of a kind.

Whether you’re folding an origami crane, crafting a handmade book, or just framing it for its beauty, Chiyogami adds elegance, story, and soul to your work. Explore our ever-changing collection and bring a piece of Japanese paper tradition into your creative world.