Bhutanese Paper with Bougainvillea Flowers

Bougainvillea Flowers in Bhutanese Mitsumata

Like many of its neighboring countries, Bhutan’s traditional paper-making process dates back for centuries and is an integral part of the nation’s economy. The tropical climate of Southeast Asia, combined with the rich soils at the base of the Himalayas, creates an ideal environment for the Mitsumata bush to naturally grow and thrive. After harvest, the inner bark of the edgeworthia plant undergoes an intensive cleansing process where it is soaked, boiled, and rinsed, then hand-sorted to based on color and size. The refined fibers are then used to create strong and lightweight papers. The harvested fibers are shorter than other washi sources (such as Kozo or Gampi), but the fine inclusions blend together nicely to create a smooth and crisp surface for calligraphy, chine-colle, sumi, block printing, and many other applications. Known as Deh-sho, Bhutanese Mitsumata Paper is a versatile natural paper that is acid-free and unsized. 

This floral Bhutanese paper features a medium-weight Mitsumata base with fuchsia bougainvillea petals gently embedded throughout the surface. Bhutanese Mitsumata is 100% natural and free from dyes and chemicals.