→[1] Manufacturing Handmade Gampi Washi
★[2] Silk Screen Printing on Gampi Washi paper
→[3] Manufacturing a Bamboo Fan Frame and Pasting Washi
→[4] Finishing Touches: Varnishing and Sun Drying
1) Stencil alignment. Silk-screen printing requires each color to be printed individually. The initial alignment of stencils is critical, and it really relies on craftsman’s instinct acquired over many years.
2) The first print. Blue ripples are printed.
3) Each sheet is printed cautiously by hand. The skill in manipulating the squeegee – the angle and speed – reflects on the texture of printing. Now’s the time for a craftsman to show his mastery.
4) Washi sheets are placed in a row on a long table. A craftsman moves along the table to do his work.
5) The second print. White is printed. There will be more colors to come.
6) The third print. A lotus is colored green.
7) The fourth print. Yellow is printed on goldfish.
8) The final print. Finishing touch of red.
9) The pattern for Mizuuchiwa(Water Fan) “Lotus and Goldfish” is completed.
10) Now each printed washi sheet needs to be peeled off from the table. Extra-thinness of Gampi washi requires extra care not to be torn.
11) Printed washi paper will be sent to a fan craftsman in Marugame.
