Maruni Kyo Karami | Traditional woodblock printed paper

Brand

Traditional crafts made with the history of Kyoto

Maruni

• 1902
• Kyo Karakami (Decorative Papers)
• Kazuki Nishimura

History

Karakami came to China over 1000 years ago

Maruni had their roots in Nishimura Korokudo established in 1902.

It evolved into Maruni Shoten, a paper wholesaler.

Today it operates Karakami studio and using woodblocks that have been passed down through generations and make Karakami using traditional methods.

Karakami is the beautifully crafted paper introduced from Tang Dynasty China during the Nara Period.

At the time, aristocrats used Karakami to write letters and poems.

During the Heian Period, Karakami making was started in Kyoto.

It was used for the folding screens or sliding screens.

In modern times, Karakami is used in interior decorations such as sliding doors and wallpaper.

Characteristic

Copying the pattern by hand, one by one

Karakami is like a type of woodblock print, it uses woodblocks hand-carved on magnolia wood with traditional patterns.

We possess around 300 woodblocks, some of which are as old as 180 years old.

Traditional patterns are all excellent designs and still look great today.

It is printed with traditional materials called Kira(mica) and Gofun(Finely crushed shell powder), and rubbed with the palm of the hand.

Karakami has a unique charm differs from machine printing.

Kira has a beautiful pearl-like sheen when exposed to light.

For Customers

Preserving Tradition, Changing Form, and Bringing it to the Modern Age

Maruni hopes to pass on the traditional craft of Karakami to future generations.

There are workshop studio in Kyoto where you can experience Karakami printing.

Thank you for your interest in Karakami products made with traditional techniques.