The Modern Classics are the most notable additions to LCI’s Japanese Paper Collection. Each of these fine papers is a modern version of a historical classic, without the cost or limitations of the traditional versions. As each of these papers are as lovely as they are printer-friendly, they are perfect for a wide range of creative projects.

The Modern Classics

	Asagami Usucha		Gold Fleck
	Kiri-Ita		Mokume
	Obonai Cream		Obonai White

Jessica Mann of The Japanese Paper Place discusses the new Modern Classics

Each paper in this category is a modern, machine-made take on a traditional original. While the original papers would have been hand-made from painstakingly prepared kozo bark, the cost of traditional methods of production is too high to compete with Western machine-made papers. So these papers were developed: incorporating the speed and economy of Western style papermaking, but keeping the distinctive Japanese finishes that made the originals so special and the quality control that keeps the standard high.

So you have Kiri-ita (literally “Pawlonia wood board”) that used to be a brittle wood veneer paper of actual Pawlonia wood (image, right) that’s now made as a paper with a printed image of the veneer, giving the same appearance with much less expense and greater flexibility. Or the Obonai papers, machine-made now but still with traditional kozo fibres sprinkled across the surface.

Likewise with the Gold Fleck, with its subtle dusting of gold and Asagami decorated with visible abaca fibres. Also Mokume, an embossed paper based on the subtle wood grain imprint left on traditional papers from being dried on wooden boards (image, left)

On the growing trend towards Modern Classics

They are really perennial favourites that people have enjoyed for years for their subtle beauty and printability; but they’ve been a well-kept secret. Despite our best efforts, they are not widely known, so we’re happy to introduce them to a wider audience. Once people try them, they keep coming back to them! It helps that they are printable: people can easily run them through their home printers and combine them with other Japanese papers for a consistent look.