A Pouch of Twined, Recycled Paper: Yamagata Prefecture

early twentieth century
5 3/4" x 8 1/2", 14.5 cm x 21.5 cm

This small pouch is made of twined washi or bast fiber-based paper that has been expertly knotted in such a fashion as to create this small-sized carrying bag.

The paper may or may not be recycled and its color has deepened from time, an indication that it is well-worn and well-used. It comes from Yamagata prefecture in Japan's rural northeast or Tohoku region.

Washi is pliable and because of its long fibers and, therefore, it can be used in so many applications that Western cellulose-based, brittle paper cannot be used. 

This pouch is a beautiful example of this--and it is a beautiful example of not only the ingenuity in the use of materials but also of the expert skill needed to create this marvelous little object.

Some of the vertical-based twined areas are broken, the pouch is dingy from time and wear and the drawstring seems original to the bag.

This is a delight.

Recommended.