Pat Peck uses washi (Japanese handmade paper) in the orgami process to create beautiful "paper-folded" one-of-kind kimono art which are framed elegantly in variety of sizes, styles and colors - unique wall hangings for any oriental, contemporary or traditional decor.

WHAT IS WASHI?

Along with kimonos and lacquer ware, washi, or Japanese handmade paper has been long one of the most fascinating traditional crafts of Japan.

The actual techniques for creating washi were borrowed from China. Nowadays, most washi is machine-made, in a variety of forms and colors. It is a labor intensive process that can only be carried out in extremely cold temperatures. The cold temperatures are important for various reasons. First, the raw fibers, bound together in strips, are laid out in the snow for one week to whiten naturally. They are turned daily. Once whitened, they are washed in cold water. The final product of this labor intensive process is extremely strong and durable.

Washi was originally used in Japan in kites, shoji doors/windows, but other uses, such as paper dolls and orgami (Japanese paper folding art) were also common.