Blue and Gold Flower Washi Tea Tin

Washi is the light, strong, traditional Japanese paper made by hand from the inner-bark fibers of three plants. The name washi literally means ‘Japanese paper.’ Today, most paper in Japan is made in large, automated mills, but a few hundred families in rural villages continue to make washi in the time-honored way. Traditionally, Japanese farmers make paper in the winter after all the other crops have been harvested. The cold temperatures keep the organic materials fresh. The fibers in the pulp also contract in cold weather and form a stronger sheet of paper. Washi paper is used to decorate everything from clothing and ritual Shinto items to tea tins. These washi tea tins will complement a tea master’s tea collection!