Washi Paper Wataru Hatano

Wataru Hatano's work reintroduces washi into contemporary living spaces by adapting the traditional material, kozo, for everyday use. While studying oil painting, he used washi as a canvas. As a result, Wataru became an apprentice at the Kurotani Washi Cooperative in the Kurotani area of Kyoto. After 20 years of washi making, Wataru opened his own studio to create timeless, warm, and functional washi products. Combining his knowledge of craftsmanship with a sensitive minimalist approach, he also uses strong traditional papers as construction materials for interior design and layered paintings. These papers transform the surrounding space into a meditative environment.