Why I Love Printing on Kozo Natural Select Japanese Paper
If you’ve ever ordered one of my linocut prints, there’s a good chance it was printed on Kozo Natural Select, a beautiful type of Japanese washi paper that has become one of my favourite materials to work with. I wanted to share a little about what Kozo paper is, where it comes from and why it’s so special for handmade printmaking.
What Is Kozo Paper?
Kozo paper is a traditional Japanese washi made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry plant (Broussonetia papyrifera). These fibres are naturally long, strong and flexible, which gives the finished paper an incredible durability despite its light weight. Kozo is used in the majority of washi produced today because of these qualities, and it remains one of the most valued fibres in Japanese papermaking.
Kozo Natural Select, the specific paper I use often, is made from long‑fibre kozo and is known for being strong, beautifully pliable and archival. It is produced in Tokushima, Japan by the Awagami papermaking family who have been refining their craft over many generations.
Natural fibres found in the kozo natural select handmade paper
A Craft With Deep Roots
Papermaking was introduced to Japan around 610 AD by Buddhist monks. It quickly became a respected craft, and by the late 1800s there were tens of thousands of families making paper by hand. Although only a small number of papermaking families remain today, the tradition survives thanks to dedicated makers who continue these labour‑intensive methods.
Kozo has always been central to this heritage. It has been used for everything from ukiyo‑e prints to clothing and ritual objects, and it is still valued today for its strength and longevity.
How Kozo Paper Is Made
Kozo paper begins with harvesting the branches of the paper mulberry shrub. The bark is steamed and peeled, then the soft inner fibres are cleaned, beaten and suspended in water. Sheets are formed by hand using traditional techniques that have changed very little over the centuries.
This is delicate, thoughtful work. Each sheet is made individually, and the care taken at every stage gives kozo its signature strength and its naturally warm, tactile feel.
Close up of the texture when the paper is held up to the light. Notice the translucent quality.
Why I Use Kozo Natural Select for My Linocut Prints
There are so many reasons I reach for this paper again and again:
- Strong yet lightweight
- The long kozo fibres create a paper that feels delicate and flexible but is surprisingly tough. It handles inking beautifully and doesn't buckle while printing.
- The subtle texture and absorbency of kozo suits botanical linocuts and handmade art. It captures the fine details of carved lines while keeping the image soft and organic.
- Archival and long‑lasting
- Kozo paper contains very few impurities, which makes it incredibly durable. (It is even used in museums and archives to repair historic artworks and books.)
- Kozo’s natural character enhances the handmade qualities of linocut.
- Every sheet represents the work of skilled Japanese papermakers who are keeping this ancient craft alive. I hope to support that.
Why You’ll Notice the Difference
When you hold a print made on Kozo Natural Select, you can feel the history, skill and care behind it. The paper has a gentle texture and a natural strength that complements botanical subjects so well. It brings a quiet authenticity to each print, allowing the handmade process to shine through.
Kozo paper and linocut printing share something important: both celebrate simplicity, craftsmanship and the beauty found in natural materials. It makes them the perfect match.
