A Japanese experience of futuristic washi made using zeolite
REQU Ms. Yukari Sato
The name of Ms. Yukari Sato’s washi atelier is REQU (washi is traditional Japanese paper). The atelier is situated in Akanma, Seiyo City, Ehime Prefecture. Akanma is famous for Kannon water, which is known as one of the 100 cleanest waters in Japan. Surrounded by rice fields is the wooden atelier; inside the atelier snow-white mobiles swing. The mobiles look more like lace than washi. In the workshop, where a huge water tank is placed, also hang three-dimensional mobiles made of washi string attached to wooden frames.
Interior design; using washi developed in order to revitalize the community
The mobiles are made from a special paper called zeolite washi (zeolite is a mineral). The paper was developed by Ehime Industrial Technology Research Institute and by the building company run by Ms. Sato’s father. Washi has been produced here in Ikazaki, Uchikocho, since ancient times. Ms. Sato made the paper for her graduation certificate when she was in elementary school. However, washi making was in decline even then. In 2009 Ms. Sato, who was studying at Kuwasawa Design School, participated in Ikazaki’s Zeolite Washi Revival Project. Since zeolite dehumidifies and deodorizes, washi made in water containing zeolite can breathe. Ms. Sato designed this project’s products.
“Making zeolite washi involves a special technique: I attach washi string to a wooden frame, before starting to make paper. I refined the design of mobiles that look like lace, after a colleague invented the string-hooking technique. It’s not a traditional technique. However, these products express the charm of washi, and I’d like to expand that potential…”
Zeolite washi was created as part of the community revival project. After it was endorsed by Mr. Shigeru Uchida, who is an influential figure in interior design, Ms. Sato received a flood of orders. That was when she started exploring zeolite washi’s potential.
Designs inspired by nature
Zeolite washi’s transparent and light texture creates a beautiful snow-like atmosphere. Even large partition walls look light, and they don’t smother the space. At Ms. Sato’s atelier, there are washi mobiles featured in women’s magazines and middle school math textbooks; as well as washi candlestands, vases, and other household items. Among them, there are some artworks created in collaboration with her husband, who designs cars.
“My husband uses a 3D printer,” explains Ms. Sato. “So he helped me to create the shape of washi ichirin zashi (a vase for one flower), and a design of washi lamp called Dress. Thanks to him, I learned how to make 3D products.”
Ichirin zashi vases can be hung from the ceiling to swing like mobiles.
As for washi lamps, she stretches washi string at 5mm intervals on the wooden frames. Then she connects several frames by using the fittings that her husband created.
“An Australian botanist said that the washi lamps look like plant cells. Although that’s a coincidence, I do like creating things out of the inspiration I receive from plants.”
Ms. Sato lived in London after graduating from high school, and she worked as a model for advertisements and magazines. Her cultural experience in London still inspires her when she creates washi products.
“Europeans are good at expressing their feelings and sensitivity. I like to express my feelings though washi. I like to create things that speak to Japanese people’s DNA. For example, things that remind them of shoji screens in their grandmother’s house. If my mobiles warm your heart, then it probably means that I was able to reach you through my washi. I like to create things that make people who see and touch them feel good.”
Zeolite washi, which was born from 21st Century technology, and traditional techniques, is poised for the future.
Yukari Sato
Born in Aichi Prefecture. After working as a model in London, she studied visual design in Kuwasawa Design School in Tokyo. While still studying at school, she participated in a washi revival project, and started developing zeolite washi. In 2012 she founded the washi atelier REQU. She continues to develop products, and through events in Japanese department stores and overseas, she continues to promote the use of washi in everyday life.
REQU
- 1093 Akanma, Uwacho, Seiyoshi
Ehime 797-0010, Japan - TEL：0894-89-1276
- http://www.requ.jp
