Kamiko

Kamiko is a fabric made of paper. Production of Kamikogami exists since the Heian period (794-1185). This is one of the papers called Zaogami (cf. Zaogami). Originally the clothes were for Buddhist monks (written mention of the monk Shoku 988) and then they were worn by the poor people as winter clothing. It is also used to make ​​clothes for the soldiers as well as tops of bedding and pillows. The Kamiko from Sendai (Tohoku - Miyagi Prefecture) was particularly famous. Paper is produced by the method of jumonji-zuki: the paper mould is moved in both directions so that the fibers intertwine perfectly. The paper is treated with Konnyaku - neri (cf. Konnyaku) or Khaki bitter juice to strengthen it.