Made by Kyoto artisans for stationery purveyor Shogado, the Yuzen Washi Pen Box is a delightful contemporary take on several traditional Japanese crafts. Each one features Yuzen washi paper that has been silk-screen printed with Japanese motifs in playful pop colours. Since the boxes are individually made, the pattern placement varies, making every one unique. Vibrant, decorative, and eco-friendly additions to any desk or table, these Japanese fudebako (traditional writing implement box) can also be used to tidy away anything from cutlery to jewelry.
Yuzen washi paper, also known as Chiyogami, dates back to the Heian Period (794-1185) when Japan’s aristocracy favored decorative paper to pen poems and write romantic notes. Originally, wood-block printing techniques were used to add layers of colour to washi paper, often in patterns inspired by elaborate kimono textiles. Yuzen, in fact, takes its name from the fabric resist-paste dyeing technique used for such kimono. The Chrysanthemum, Peony and Herringbone patterns used for these pen boxes are, in fact, traditional motifs, but their neon and bright colours bring their beauty into a contemporary light.
Visit our Stationery Collection to see other Japanese desk goods, or peruse our Paper Fun Goods lineup for other Japan-inspired items.
Established in 1964 in Kyoto, Shogado develops washi paper stationery and items for everyday use. All its colourful washi paper is made by Kyoto artisans, using traditional techniques and materials. Shogado is committed to supporting the craft by focusing on modern colours to emphasize the beauty of traditional Japanese patterns.
Paper
Width 6cm × Length 21cm × Height 3cm
Made in Japan
NB — These are individually made and pattern placement may differ from the image.
