Susan J. Byrd presents a comprehensive description of shifu—a Japanese textile woven from thread made with paper. This is complemented by an historical overview of the many uses of shifu through past centuries. Also included is detailed information about making the paper and thread from the sheet, spinning and weaving, as well as dyeing the thread and the finished textile with natural dyes. Appendices include artistic works created by internationally renowned artists, resources (suppliers, museums, and craftspeople/artists), and an extensive glossary in Japanese and English.

The first-issued 500 copies come with two samples: Nishinouchi shifu yōshi, a paper handmade for shifu by Daisuke Kikuchi and a finely woven silk and paper cloth made by Sadako Sakurai, the esteemed Japanese shifu weaver.

Proceeds from the author’s royalties are going to some of the craftspeople in Japan, such as Sadako Sakurai and Seiki Kikuchi, to help them continue their efforts in preserving shifu. For more about the author and for links to videos that Susan has made about making shifu, click here.