The papers we use for our lanterns

Many people ask about the papers we use in our paper lanterns. Even with the best pictures in the world, it can be hard to tell the exact texture, colour and feel of the paper, and when you add different colours and styles of light bulb it can be daunting to choose the right shade.

Here is a short description of each paper with pictures to help you on your way. As with everything, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask before ordering.

Kozo

Kozo is the Japanese for Mulberry, and this is the traditional material for Japanese washi paper. Our Kozo paper is quite refined, but it still has flecks of bark in it to add some organic interest. It is an off-white paper and the fibres are visible in the paper, but not too pronounced.

Unryu

The Unryu paper is again a mulberry paper, but with no flecks of bark in it. It is a brighter white, the closest we do to a white paper, and the fibres really stand out. The long mulberry fibres are left in the paper and they are particularly visible when the lantern is illuminated.

Asaraku / Hemp

We also use a hemp paper which has a very long strong fibre in it. At the final stage of paper-making, water is randomly splashed on the paper, punching holes through between the longer hemp fibres. This makes a very interesting textured lace-like paper, which also means that the lamp casts a dappled shadow when the light is on.

We have an off-white, khaki and blue colour in this paper - the off-white paper will yellow slightly as it ages, but it is already an off-white so it isn't too noticeable.