Make a Temple-stamp Journal with Centuries-Old Woodblock Prints in Kyoto

Kyo-Karakami: An Ornate Paper with Over a Thousand Years of History

Kyo-karakami refers to Kyoto-style karakami, a decorative paper that was introduced from China — the “kara” in “karakami” refers to China’s Tang Dynasty. What sets the Kyoto style apart from other karakami styles is the use of high-end washi paper and intricate patterns.
Karakami production in Japan started in Kyoto during the Heian period (794–1185). Throughout its long history, Kyo-karakami has had a variety of uses such as stationery for court nobles and interior decor. But although Kyo-karakami has been a familiar part of Japanese architecture, many may not know what it’s called, let alone be aware of its history.
In this experience, you won’t just get a hands-on lesson in Kyo-karakami; you’ll also trace its history. Discover how Kyo-karakami developed over time, how appreciation for it spread from the nobility to merchants, and learn about the different patterns favored by people of different lifestyles and social classes.

The world of Kyo-karakami will become even more fascinating once you discover its history.

Let a Long-Running Specialist Introduce You to the World of Kyo-Karakami

Conveniently located in the bustling Shijo-Karasuma area, Kyoto’s main downtown shopping district, Karamaru is an experience facility dedicated to Kyo-karakami. It was established by Maruni, a leading Kyo-karakami shop that has been in business since 1902.
Though Maruni originally started out as a specialist in Kyo-hyogu, the craft of mounting scrolls and other art pieces, it branched out to also become a wholesaler of traditional interior decor such as byobu folding screens, kakejiku hanging scrolls, tableware, and Kyo-karakami. As it creates its own Kyo-karakami, it has also developed a reputation for being a Kyo-karakami expert over the years. 
Karamaru was established to familiarize the public with Kyo-karakami and to preserve this valuable traditional handicraft. The studio’s knowledgeable staff can tell you everything karakami-related: from selecting appropriate paper to the printing process.

A facility for hands-on Kyo-karakami experiences, Karamaru also has a shop filled with Kyo-karakami souvenirs, decor, and so on.

Hand-Carved Woodblocks Passed Down Generations and Over 20 Types of Echizen Washi Paper

As Kyo-karakami is characterized by its use of high-end materials, Karamaru uses nothing less than the best for its creations. It uses high-grade torinoko and washi papers from Echizen, an area in Fukui Prefecture that produces some of Japan’s finest traditional paper. 
Made of magnolia wood — considered the best material for woodblock prints due to its softness, Karamaru’s handcarved woodblocks are precious heirlooms dating all the way back to the Tenpo Era (1830–1844).
For the karakami-making experience, you’ll take your pick from a selection of over 20 types of colorful Echizen washi paper, all with varying qualities: different textures, moisture absorbencies, and so on. If you’re having trouble deciding which paper to choose, Karamaru’s enthusiastic staff will be all too happy to provide advice.

With the end result in mind, pick a piece of paper that catches your fancy.

Then, select your preferred woodblock pattern. With their deeply and intricately carved patterns, these are no ordinary woodblocks. Their designs will remind you of the old-world charm and elegance of ancient Kyoto. 

A woodblock with intricate engravings befitting of Kyo-karakami

Print a Kyo-Karakami Pattern with Only the Palms of Your Hands

Kyo-karakami’s characteristic patterns are made by using a sieve-like tool called a furui to gently apply paint or other coloring pigments to a woodblock, then printing the design onto paper with only the palms of your hands — no other tools are involved. 
Holding the bottom of the furui, thoroughly apply paint to the woodblocks by making tapping motions. To ensure that the pattern is clearly printed, firmly press each sheet of paper against the woodblock twice.

You’ll use gold paint in this experience.

Press firmly with both hands to overlay the design.

As the overlaying of the pattern is done manually, Kyo-karakami does not have a consistent finish — but that’s the beauty and appeal of this type of paper. You can tell that the paper was painstakingly created by hand, and this process gives the paper a unique texture that is difficult to achieve through printing with tools, let alone mass printing.

Examples of Kyo-karakami created by Karamaru

Make an Elegant Temple-stamp Journal Cover

Your Kyo-karakami experience isn’t over yet! After learning the essential technique for hand-printing the design onto the paper, you’ll use the karakami that you made to create a cover for a goshuincho — a book for collecting the official stamps and caligraphy of temples and shrines.

Goshuincho - Temple-journal which we can collect temple's stamp and caligraphy

On your Kyo-karakami, trace the outline of a pattern that's the size of a goshuincho cover, then cut it. Do this for both the front and back covers.

Outline and cut a section of the paper. This will be the cover for your goshuincho.

Paste the paper onto a goshuincho, and you’re done! You’ll have made a goshuincho with a cover of your very own, with its ornate golden patterns standing out against the smooth Japanese paper. If you haven’t owned a goshuincho before, consider this an opportunity to start collecting goshuin stamps. You can even use goshuincho as your traveler's notebook!

Finally, take home the remaining Kyo-karakami as a memory of this experience. Let your creativity run wild — why not use it to decorate your accessories or interior decor?

Your elegantly patterned goshuincho is done!