CXD are pleased to offer Nao papers from the paper source established by Naoki Sakamoto to promote traditionally made Japanese papers. They are of consistent quality, free of impurities such as mechanical wood pulp or iron particles caused by poor materials and drying methods common to cheaper Far Eastern imitations.

Typical characteristics of papers

• Kozo Fibre
  Very long fibre. Durable with its own special sheen. Most frequently used type in Japan.
  
  
• Gampi Fibre
  Durable, thin almost transparent, excellent wet strength, lustrous surface.
  Traditional uses include gold and silver leaf productions.
  
  
• Mitsumata Fibre
  Used particularly in smooth or soft papers, suitable for calligraphy.
  Relatively less durable than other papers.
  Mitsumata fibres are sometimes combined with others.

Applications

• Twenty three of Paper Nao's products available from CXD are rolls produced on a unique stainless steel machine.
  These paper rolls are often preferred over handmade sheets for repairing or lining brittle machine made papers which have a definable grain direction.
• Handmade Kozo Papers (K31 &endash; 37) are all particularly suitable for conservation uses.
• Urushikoshi K93 is the thinnest handmade Japanese paper available.
• Mitsumata Hakuai Shi (M5) is very soft, and traditionally used for gold leaf backing and in decorative boxmaking.
• Sample swatches for the complete range are available - see price list.

TEARING JAPANESE PAPER

Because most Japanese papers are long fibred, they are strongest when torn rather than cut. The best way to tear them is:

1. Fold the paper where you want it torn.
2. Draw a thin line of water along the fold with a brush.
3. With one hand, hold a metal straight edge on the fold line.
4. Lift the paper with the other hand, tearing the water weakened line up along the straight edge.