Nishijima Washi – Jigake Calligraphy Paper Set
Hand-copying sutras is said to enhance focus, helping the mind detach from daily stress and promoting a sense of calm. The Jigake is a verse that praises the Buddha’s eternal presence and his continuous teaching to guide all beings toward enlightenment. It reflects the Buddha’s infinite life, compassion, and vow to lead everyone to awakening, while teaching the proper mindset for practicing faith. The text also conveys that the Buddha’s apparent “death” was a skillful means to save those in doubt.
This set, inspired by weeping cherry blossoms, features smooth, finely textured washi paper for a pleasant writing experience. It includes 5 tracing sheets for guided practice and comes with a cherry blossom-shaped bookmark.
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Artisan
WACCA JAPAN & Japanese Washi Artisans
WACCA JAPAN collaborates with skilled washi artisans across Japan to bring the beauty of traditional Japanese paper into modern life. Guided by the philosophy of WACCA (“ring”), they create washi products that connect centuries of heritage with everyday living, designing pieces that feel natural, accessible, and timeless.
Mastery
The Skilled Craft Behind Washi
Traditional washi is made from natural fibers such as kozo, mitsumata, and gampi. These fibers undergo labor-intensive preparation—stripping, de-ashing, boiling, removing impurities by hand, and beating to soften the fibers—before they are ready for sheet formation. Artisans then expertly manipulate bamboo screens in techniques such as nagashi-zuki and tame-zuki, controlling thickness and texture with precision. The sheets are stacked, dehydrated, dried, and individually checked, polished, and finished by hand. This meticulous process, refined over centuries, is what gives each sheet of washi its unique texture, strength, and subtle beauty.