Kakishibu is fermented persimmon juice which has been aged for more than five years to extract maximum tanins which give the juice / dye waterproofing and strengthening qualities as well as a beautiful color which continues to deepen and develop over several years. Handmade kozo washi squares have been treated wiht the kakishibu ready for you to use for stencils, book arts, collage, structural paper art, cut work, etc.

Kakishibu, tannin processed from the juice of unripe persimmon fruit (kaki = persimmon, shibu = tannin), is a traditional natural dye that has been used for many years in Japan. One of its applications is to dye paper. Paper treated with kakishibu is strengthened, repels insects and is water resistant. Dyed paper traditionally had three main uses: as label paper for price tags on dry goods and cloth which was to be dyed; as stencil paper; and, when also treated with oil, as a waterproof paper for making umbrellas.