Chigiri-e literally means torn paper collage. Chigiri (pronounced with a hard “g”) and e (pronounced like “ay” as in “hay”. Chigiri is the noun form of the verb “to tear” and e is any kind of art picture: collage, painting, drawing, etc.
When you see one of these detailed collages in person, it’s hard to believe the image is nothing but paper. Of course, not just any paper, the process will work best with washi– Japanese paper. Check out this Chipmunk Chigiri-e by Etsy artist: Michiko Yoshida.
Traditionally scissors are not used (but are not prohibited!). Washi torn by hand produces a soft edge, ideal for blending colors and creating a 3-D effect.
Pulp Painting is the bigger category and chigiri-e fits into this English term. There are many techniques of “painting” with pulp.
Two highly-respected paper artists,(not just by me, but all over the world), whom I know from my days in Boston are, Joe Zina, famous for his stunning floral paper “paintings” (click to his name to see one image) and for co-founding Rugg Road Paper Company, back in the ’80s, and Michelle Samour, who teaches, writes and takes pulp painting in yet a completely different direction; a completely new latitude.
2 comments
Marline Prosper
Hello, I live in Edmonton Alberta Canada and looking to purchase chigiri-e paper. Do you sell the paper or know where I could get it?
Paper Woman
Please excuse the delay in response!
For chigiri-e we recommend many types of paper that work. Please see some examples via links below. Really any of our Kozo Lace, Itajime or Tengujoushi papers are excellent options.
Itajime https://shop.paperconnection.com/products/itajimeshi-folded-and-dyed-yellow
Asarakusuishi Lace https://shop.paperconnection.com/products/asarakusuishi-moss-or-ogura-lace-rm
Tengujoushi https://shop.paperconnection.com/search?x=0&y=0&q=tengujoushi
Also note that if you are in Canada and interested in ordering any items, please do contact us via email before placing an online order. We will calculate shipping and handling to Canada differently than our online system offers.