2026/04/28 16:25

This section explains works created using different types of paper, based on the same edition published on April 23rd and 28th.


Dear collectors,
Robert paper, with its smooth, slightly creamy texture, has now become the standard for my work. It doesn't have the rich texture of Hahnemühle or Arches, but I feel it honestly brings out the tonal gradations inherent in the printing plate. White paper with woven cotton is also lovely, but the creamy tone of Robert paper creates a warmth that is slightly different from nostalgia. It is surprisingly delicate to handle, as it directly reflects the shading of the ink on the plate surface and any unevenness in wiping, so it is a paper that requires constant attention until the print is finished.

On the other hand, Katagami-genshi, a Washi paper from Awagami that I occasionally use, is one of my most reliable papers. It's a type of Washi called "Gampi," and while it has the classic texture of Washi, it works well with any type of print or ink. Yes, it's a paper that never disappoints me with its results. While there are other Gampi-type papers like Washi that offer a more cutting-edge and impactful expression, I find this particular paper especially wonderful to work with when printing. That's why, even when I'm mainly printing on Western papers like Arches, I always use Katagami-genshi for the last print of the day.

On one hand, there's the smooth texture of Western paper; on the other, there's Washi. I love both types of paper. And I don't intend to use them to distinguish between "Western" and "Japanese." I enjoy the depth of it, like a chef using the same ingredients but experimenting with completely different sauces and spices to create entirely different expressions. So, which "Bottles and Grassware No. 14" do you prefer?