Washi is a style of paper that was developed in Japan. Shimotsuke Shibori is designated as Oyama City’s one of the intangible cultural properties. It is said that the technique of crafting washi was introduced to the region of Shimotsuke (now referred to as Tochigi) by an ancient priest, Dokyo Yugeno. By simply carrying a piece of Shibori Washi, people used to believe that the evil sprits that reside in oneself can be squeezed out of, for the term Shibori translates into the verb squeeze in English. In Edo era, Washi was used to make hair bands and a certain type of wardrobe, Kami-Nui (Kami = paper, Nui=warodrobe), which was commonly worn by priests and monks. Today its demand is on the decline and only a single craftsman Chihiro Suwa has the knowledge of producing Shibori Washi.
Shibori Washi uses a paper pattern which has a layer of persimmon juice. Its cloth-like feel resembles the texture of wood and leather. Durable, and the dye is hard to wear out.
Today it is used as placemat or have it framed for decoration.