The Beauty of Washi
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This weekend I had a chance to sit in on a culture class at the Nippon Club in order to write an article in Chopsticks. We were studying calligraphy, but specifically practicing this art on 和紙 (washi or Japanese paper). Sensei Mori Suzuki was visiting from Japan just for this class, and in addition to guest teaching we got to enjoy an exhibition of his work and other washi delights in the 7th floor gallery.
Entitled 「和紙・伝統と創造」 (Washi: Dentou and Souzou or “Washi Paper: Cultural Heritage and Artistic Creativity”), this exhibit introduces the history of traditional handmade washi, the aesthetic beauty of 切金（kirikane or metallic foil cut into strips or other shapes to form decorative motifs) through the subtle light reflected from foil, origami artwork, modern washi sculptures, and Suzuki Sensei’s calligraphy creations on handmade washi. It runs through February 24 with free admission and the gallery is open every day but Sunday, so make sure to check it out before it closes!