This "Aka Hana" design, meaning "red flower", is based on an old art form called Katazome, a Japanese method of dyeing fabrics using a resist paste applied through an intricate hand-cut stencil. Today’s printing technology allows the beauty of this art form to be replicated in a less laborious style as compared to the hand-cut stencils of the past, but still requires the handmade skill of aligning multiple screens and the application of each ink color for this detailed design. Once screenprinted, this mulberry paper is allowed to dry, then hand crumpled to achieve its soft cloth-like momi texture. A malleable paper weight for both fine art or paper craft uses, this particular paper features an inner border surrounding the design, making it a piece of art in itself!
