Origami Paper Set Katazome Iroiro (12 sheets)
Katazome paper from Kyoto: hand-scooped kozu paper, layered with patterns through hand-cut stencils made from persimmon paper and subsequent screen prints with pigments. The result is colours with a depth and luminosity that machine-made papers cannot achieve – visible in every single sheet, recognisable as handwork by its distinctive deckle edges. This set contains 12 sheets in 15 × 15 cm format, each featuring a pattern from the Iroiro selection.
Features
- Hand-scooped kozu paper as substrate: Kozu is a long-fibred Japanese paper with characteristic deckle structure – robust enough for repeated folding, yet thin enough that origami models hold their creases clearly.
- Katazome technique – stencil and screen printing combined: A hand-cut stencil made from moisture-resistant shibugami (persimmon paper) defines the pattern. Rice starch paste seals specific areas with colour resistance – similar to the batik principle. Pigments are then applied by screen printing and penetrate deep into the paper structure.
- Exceptional light fastness: A second drying process after pigmentation permanently fixes the colours. Rinsing out the paste in clear water completes production – the pigments remain stable and vibrant.
- Slight waviness possible: Due to the third drying cycle after rinsing, sheets may be slightly wavy – a natural characteristic of hand-made katazome papers, not a defect.
- Patterns vary: The 12 sheets are a selection from the Iroiro collection. Individual patterns may vary slightly between copies of the set.
Use & Tips
- Origami: 15 × 15 cm is the classic origami format. The kozu structure gives even complex models with many folded layers stability without tearing.
- Bookbinding and cover paper: Katazome paper works as binding or cover material for notebooks, boxes and cases. The deckle edges can remain visible or be trimmed flush.
- Packaging and decoration: As gift paper, mount backing or card embellishment, the pigment depth of katazome delivers rich colours even under artificial light.
- Correcting slight waviness: Those needing absolutely flat sheets can briefly dampen the papers slightly and press them between two books – the fibres relax without colour loss.
- Combination with other Japanese papers: Katazome and chiyogami share the same kozu substrate and combine well in mixed projects (collages, leporellos, book covers).
For Origami & Paper Enthusiasts
The katazome technique is an adaptation of traditional Japanese kimono dyeing and was only transferred to paper in the mid-20th century. Shibugami – paper hardened with kakishibu (fermented persimmon juice) – is the true centrepiece: it is dimensionally stable, water-resistant and can be reused for many print runs. The rice starch paste (nori) functions as a resist: it mechanically seals the kozu fibres so that the subsequent screen-printing pigments adhere precisely where the stencil allows. The kozu weave itself – made from paper mulberry fibres – has a natural capillary structure that absorbs pigments more deeply than industrially manufactured papers. The Carta Pura sets are manufactured in Germany; the katazome papers themselves come from Japan (Kyoto).
Technical Specifications
| Model / Series: | Katazome Iroiro |
| Format: | 150 × 150 mm |
| Number of sheets: | 12 sheets |
| Paper type: | Katazome on hand-scooped kozu paper |
| Manufacturing process: | Stencil printing (shibugami / rice starch paste) + screen printing, pigment dyeing |
| Paper origin: | Japan (Kyoto) |
| Set origin: | Germany |
| Note: | Patterns and slight waviness may vary between individual sheets |