The Birth of Our Gift Shop
Living in Japan for over seven years in the countryside of Japan in Yamanashi Prefecture, we wanted to share a product unique to only this part of Japan.
Minobu washi, a traditional Japanese paper, has its origins in the 16th century when samurai returning home brought and refined the paper-making techniques. The art of making Minobu washi involves using local natural resources like mulberry bark, rice straw, and bamboo. This traditional method, still practiced today, emphasizes sustainability and high quality, producing paper known for its strength and durability.
Creating goshuincho (temple stamp books) by hand is a meticulous process. Our partner who is a skilled artisan, begin by preparing the washi paper, ensuring its texture and thickness are ideal for stamping and writing. The paper is then folded and sewn together with precision. Each book is bound using traditional techniques that involve hand-stitching and reinforcing the spine with natural adhesives, making each goshuincho a unique and durable keepsake.
We are so excited to partner with this team, and provide this delicate yet flexible product to you and yours. The products are unique and timeless and are a great gift or collectible item for Japan enthusiasts. It can be passed on to many generations in your family. Learn more here about Nishijima Washi.
The Product
Gold cover Goshuincho-Travel stamp book keepsake
Carefully crafted in a workshop in Minobu, Yamanashi, this stamp book is made from Yuzen Japanese paper. Lamination is applied to luxury gold paper to increase strength. It is the most luxurious goshuincho in the world.
The Master Craftsman who created this stamp book, has spent 40 years in paper making. He has two goals related to his craft. Firstly, he aimed to create paper that meets contemporary needs, such as printer paper designed for its quality and the whiteness of kozo fiber. Secondly, he was adamant on spending his life preserving the 450-year-old tradition of "Nishijima handmade paper," emphasizing the irreplaceable nature of its techniques and the importance of passing them on to future generations. His commitment shines through in every sheet where each sheet embodies centuries of meticulous craftsmanship.
Goshuincho has significant cultural and historical importance in Japan. It has been used for centuries by pilgrims and travelers to record their spiritual journeys. As a luxurious gift and timeless keepsake, it can be used as a travel journal for collecting stamps or notes in commemoration to your time in Japan to keep forever. It is ideal for those who appreciate sophistication and timeless elegance with exceptional craftsmanship and the enduring legacy of Japanese artisanal mastery. Experience a centuries-old tradition that connects you with Japan's rich cultural heritage.
Size: 11x17cm
A 44-page folding book (Jabara) format goshuin book made of medium size 105 x 168 mm authentic calligraphy paper.
Our Partners
We at Intelligent Travel are passionate about quality Japanese products made by skilled Artisans who combine decades of tradition and experience into creating products. Japanobjects.com hand-picked some of the highest quality Authentic Japanese products. You can browse their products here, and with each purchase, we will get a small commission to help support our business.