Our Washi Paper Is Trusted Worldwide for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage
Edofiber’s conservation-grade Washi paper is developed specifically for professional restoration and archival use. Our papers, including ultra-thin Tengujō, are valued for their strength, transparency, and compatibility with historic paper fibers.
They are commonly used for:
- Mending tears and losses
- Lining and backing fragile documents
- Promoting mechanical stabilization of drawings, watercolors, books, prints, and manuscripts
- Reinforcing brittle or weakened papers
- Sculpture restoration
- Creating archival supports, tabs, and housings
Traditional Washi production relies on minimal chemical processing, resulting in a paper that is both environmentally conscious and archival in performance. The remarkable fiber length of Washi not only creates strength and translucency—it also extends the lifespan of the finished work, reducing material waste over time.
Tengujō: Conservation & Restoration Washi Paper
Tengujō Washi paper is the world’s thinnest and strongest Washi paper. It is manufactured in Japan’s Kochi prefecture in Tengujō-city. It weighs only 2.0 grams per square meter and is only 0.02 millimeters thick.
Tengujō Washi paper is perfectly suited for all restoration work at the highest level such as partial back-gluing, fixing tears and promoting mechanical stabilization of papers of drawings, books, and fragile written documents. Tengujō Washi paper has been used for preservation and conservation work for cultural properties such as historical sculptures or paintings across the world.
Tengujō is often referred to as “wings of a mayfly,” due to its long and silky fibers. It is made from the highest-quality Japanese Kozo fiber, produced from Japanese mulberry trees. Its fibers make it one of the most distinctive kinds of Washi Paper. Indeed, Tengujō is the thinnest, most transparent, and incredibly flexible papers in the world.
The entire washi-making process depends on how well the Kozo plant is produced. The quality of Kozo deeply relates to the natural conditions as well as the age of the tree. Each Kozo has its own unique characteristics, and we use a variety of specific Kozo in order to meet each customer’s requirements.
Additionally, the technology used in the washi-making process makes a big difference in the final product. The chemicals used when boiling the Kozo fibers, the time it takes to process each step, and the uniformity of the fibers and water are all factors which make a difference in the final product.
Historical documents and cultural properties that are crucially needed to be restored are increasing rapidly. Tengujō Washi paper can serve professionals in the restoration field to help save the world history that must be passed through to future generations.
A Few Common Uses of Tengujō Washi Paper in Conservation
1. Weathered paper surfaces
When paper is not kept under proper conditions, it can deteriorate. Exposing paper to moisture can result in growing mold and due to the moisture and enzymes from the mold, the paper fibers are decayed where strands or tufts begin to visibly appear on the paper. Tengujō Washi Paper can be used to prevent further weathering of paper by layering it over the paper surface. Even when Tengujō is layered over a written document, the text underneath can still be clearly read. This incredibly thin paper is best suited for old document conservation purposes.
2. Deteriorated leather-bound books
Due to absorption of acidic gases from the atmosphere and excessive dryness, leather cracks and eventually degrades into a reddish-brown powder. By placing Tengujō Washi Paper on the cover of leather-bound materials, further deterioration can be prevented. Because of its thinness, toughness, and flexibility, Tengujō Washi Paper is often used for the restoration of leather-bound materials. In addition, Tengujo Washi Paper is used to fix other wide range of materials that become difficult to use caused by acidity. By simply layering Tengujō Washi on both sides of deteriorated materials, weakened or teared parts, it is all recovered in use. Also, Tengujō Washi’s thinness is convenient for restoring double-sided or colored documents. Made from 100% Kozo plant fiber, the resiliency of Tengujō Washi has been shown to last for thousands of years.
3. Wooden statues
In the restoration process of wooden statues, the first step is to handle scratches and stains, and the next step is to prevent fading and cracking. In order to perfectly fit with curved lines of the statues surface, the thin, strong, and transparent Tengujō Washi is ideal. All features of wooden sculptures can be preserved naturally because the fibers of Japanese Kozo plants in Tengujō Washi are long, porous, and flexible allowing it to adhere well to the entire surface of the statue. Our own invention of a chlorine-free bleaching technique removes all impurities from the Kozo fibers without using any chemical agents.
Work With Us
Whether you are restoring a historical artifact or developing a modern product, Edofiber offers the expertise, materials, and support to meet professional standards.
We provide consistent quality, detailed technical specifications, and reliable supply for museums, archives, libraries, universities, and conservation studios.
Japanese Washi Paper Specifications | Conservation and Restoration
