KARAMARU Woodblock Printing on Washi Paper – Experience & Shop 

Kyo karakami beautifully decorates interior for temples, tea houses, and so on. Kyo karakami can be simply described as a type of woodblock print, using woodblocks of traditional patterns hand-carved on magnolia wood. The traditional method is to apply paint called such as kira(mica), gofun(shell powder), and so on to the surface of the woodblocks, and print the pattern onto Washi paper(Japanese paper) one by one with the palm of hand, carefully connecting the pattern on the paper. Today, we continue to use woodblocks from the Tempo period(1831-1845) and maintain the ancient tradition of patterns, paints, and tools. Karamaru is operated by Kyo karakami Maruni Co.,Ltd.