Japanese Washi Envelopes: Protect, Organise and Give Your Artworks
How do you keep an artwork covered before framing it, organise a collection of works on paper, or wrap an original piece as a gift? Japanese tatōshi envelopes offer a practical and beautiful way to care for drawings, prints, paintings, calligraphy and mixed-media works on paper. These envelopes accommodate flat works on paper up to 24 × 27 cm.
Their folding design combines a textured outer cover with a delicate inner protective sheet. Easy to open and close, they are useful for keeping artworks at home, organising work in the studio or presenting a piece to someone else.
Unryū washi: paper with character
These envelopes are made from Unryū washi, often called “cloud dragon paper.” Its visible fibres create flowing patterns across the surface, giving the paper its distinctive appearance.
The soft green cover offers a quiet, elegant wrapping. Its texture is part of the pleasure of handling the envelope, whether you are taking out a favourite drawing or preparing an artwork as a gift.
A protective sheet inside
Inside the tatōshi, a separate, lightweight sheet folds over the artwork, forming a layer between its surface and the outer cover. Together, these layers help keep dust away and reduce unnecessary handling.
The envelope opens out fully, allowing you to place the artwork inside and lift it out without sliding it through a narrow opening. Fold the inner sheet over the work, then close the outer flaps to keep it covered.
A simple way to organise your artworks
The white paper label on the front provides space for the artwork’s title, the artist’s name, a date or an inventory number. This lets you identify a piece without opening every envelope.
Use them to keep a series of prints together, arrange drawings by year or store small paintings while they await framing. Write on the label before placing the artwork inside to avoid leaving pressure marks.
A thoughtful way to give an artwork
For a gift, the front label can carry a handwritten title or dedication. Unfolding the cover and lifting the inner sheet makes discovering the artwork part of the experience.
For artists and galleries, a tatōshi is also an attractive way to hand a work to a customer. The recipient can keep the envelope and reuse it whenever the artwork is put away.
Available at Art San Gallery, these light green tatōshi envelopes bring the texture of Japanese paper into the way you protect, organise and share your art.
Comments