Japanese paper sources

Many people responded to my trash-o-gram the other day, for which I am
grateful.  Both Henry and Deborah very kindly offerred to handle a
return at the New York end for which I am even more grateful. However,
we have decided to sever our 4nascent relation with Washi no Mise and
look around for an alternative.

Maria writes:  We bought quite a bit of paper from Paper Nao several
years ago and all went well. I can highly reccommend them.  The address
is:

    Paper Nao 1-29-12-201, Sengoku,
    Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo 112
    03-944-4470
    Fax 03-994-4699

They give you lots of information about their papers i.e. type of fiber,
kind of manufacture (hand or machine), type of drying (wood panel or
stainless steel), cooking (in what), and pH value.  They also have a
beautiful sample book.  I'll send you a copy of our info--dated 1976.

Robert writes: Thanks for the ventation about Washi no mise. I was
surprised they were still in business.  I haven't heard about them in
awhile.

    **** Moderator's comments:    <Sardonic personal comments not for
    distribution... Aw, you can probably guess the gist>

That's what I always remembered and stayed away for that reason.  I have
always purchased our Japanese papers either from Aiko's in Chicago or
some through A/N/W, although I don't necessarily recommend the later I
have also wanted to try Paper Nao ...  reported on by Sue Murphy and
Siegfried Rempel at AIC in Wash.  I wrote to them a couple of year ago
and received samples and prices, but don't know what's changed.  They
had a good sample book and there was something appealing about buying
direct from Japan.  It seems to me somebody since may be acting as their
American agent, but I can't quite remember.  Anyway Aiko's has always
been a good source for me and most of what I buy they carry.

Deborah writes: Meanwhile I have had exceptional service from Ailko's
Art Materials Import, 714 N. Wabash Avenue Chicago, Ill 60611. Tel:
312-943-0745. They have a fat swatch book of samples and a price list
for $10.-.

Henry writes:  Aiko in Chicago had a good reputation and there"s a great
place I've ben to in Toronto whose name I have at home and will get to
you.  Also have just received a great sample book of Japanese
bookbinding cloth and pseudo-suede for box lining from Johnson
Bookbinding Supply Co. in Blacksburg, VA. (703) 552-0876, who say they
have a great ship- ment of Japanese decorated paper newly in and will
send samples on request.

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                   Conservation DistList Instance 2:4
                  Distributed: Sunday, August 21, 1988
                        Message Id: cdl-2-4-001
                                  ***