WHAT IS CHIGIRI-E?
"Chigiri" means to tear or shred, and "e" means picture in Japanese. Chigiri-e is a Japanese-style paper collage created using hand-dyed Washi paper to create realistic or abstract images, frameable art, cards, and an endless number of modern-day crafts. The fibers of the Washi allow for ideal layering and soft textures that look similar to a watercolor or oil painting.
What is Chigiri-e?
A short video showing the 3 simple steps to Chigiri-e
Washi is a traditionally-made paper that dates back to the eighth century, and is often still made by hand today. Making Washi is a long process: kozo (mulberry), bamboo, hemp, rice, or wheat plant bark is soaked in clear river water, boiled to thicken, then beaten and filtered through a gridiron and dried in sheets in sunlight for a natural, soft finish. The beauty of Washi papers are treasured throughout Japan, and they are still used today for everything from interior design to traditional arts, letter writing, and books. Washi has been recognized by UNESCO as being a part of Japan's Intangible Cultural Heritage. Check out our free eGuide to learn this Japanese handicraft.
Want to know more about Chigiri-e?
You'll find all the information - from full details about each of the six motifs to how washi is made - in this guide!
Click on the button below to start downloading a Free PDF version of our guide.
DOWNLOAD FREE eGUIDE
The Complete Chigiri-e Course Package
Our course includes 6 beautiful motifs, all the tools necessary, lifetime access to tutorials, and the ability to speak to our on-demand instructor via messaging.
Chigiri-e Project Kits
Our Chigiri-e Project Kits are individual motifs with various styles. They are perfect for both beginners and advanced Chigiri-e users. Each Project Kit includes Washi paper necessary for creating the motif, printed instructions, and lifetime access to our online learning center where you can learn techniques. Each motif is either a greeting card or art board size.
*tools are NOT included with our Project Kits, sold separately
DOUBLE the FUN with TWO CHIGIRI-E KITS! Nandina & Japanese Globe Flowers
$37.00
In the New Year, refresh your home with some Chigiri-e that may bring good luck into your space!Nandina and Japanese Globe Flowers are plants that...
View full product details
Maiko-san (apprentice geisha)
$32.00
Creating beautiful Japanese arts and crafts Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inchesLevel: Beginner On the evening of August 16 in the middle of summer, giant...
View full product details
Gladiolus
$24.00
A Colorful Washi Paper Project Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Beginner Gladiolus blooms from the end of July through August and this piece is...
View full product details
Plum and Bush Warbler
$32.00
Challenge Yourself With This Traditional Japanese Washi Paper Art Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inchesLevel: Advanced Since ancient times, the Japanese have regarded plum blossoms...
View full product details
Double cherry blossoms
$32.00
Japanese Washi Paper Project Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inchesLevel: Advanced The cherry is the ultimate symbol of spring in Japan. Different varieties bloom at...
View full product details
Clematis
$24.00
A Washi Paper Japanese Arts and Crafts Project Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Beginner The six purple petals of the clematis bloom boldly. Draw...
View full product details
Crane couple
$32.00
A Traditional Japanese Art Kit Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inchesLevel: Advanced This piece depicts a pair of courting cranes on a snowy field against...
View full product details
Iris
Sold Out
A Chigiri-e Project with Washi Paper Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inchesLevel: Beginner In June and July, overcast skies cover the whole country. This is...
View full product details
Bush clovers
$32.00
Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inchesLevel: Advanced Bush clovers swaying in the moonlight are a sight which exemplifies the wabi-sabi (quiet and subdued refinement) aesthetic...
View full product details
Poppies
$32.00
A beautiful traditional Japanese arts and crafts project Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inchesLevel: Intermediate In Japan, these big blooms light up summer meadows. The...
View full product details
Peony
$24.00
A traditional Japanese paper craft Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Intermediate This flower is so stunning that it has traditionally been used as a metaphor...
View full product details
Red Turnip
$24.00
Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inches Level: Beginner two huge leaves and the bright red of the mature turnip almost seem to be looking forward to...
View full product details
Cherry blossoms
$24.00
Card Size: 4.7 x 5.3 inchesLevel: Intermediate Japan's favorite flower. Cherry blossoms bloom from March through April, which is when graduation and entrance ceremonies are...
View full product details
Anemone
$32.00
Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inches Level: Advanced A gorgeous but gentle blossom. In the Greek legend, the anemone was the flower born from...
View full product details
Bunch of Japanese daisies
$24.00
Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Intermediate Gift this beautiful bouquet on a celebratory occasion such as a wedding. The combination of yellow and pink...
View full product details
Japanese White Daisy
$32.00
A traditional Japanese art Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inchesLevel: Intermediate In Japan, the Japanese daisy is considered an essential element in places for ancestral prayer....
View full product details
Chicks
$24.00
A Perfect First Step Into Chigiri-e Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Beginner These baby chicks waddling along on a green carpet bright with flowers...
View full product details
Roses
$24.00
Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inches Level: Beginner Three huge, deep red roses have bloomed. Every petal makes this piece look very complicated, but...
View full product details
Poinsettia
$24.00
A Japanese Paper Craft Project Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Intermediate This ornamental plant offers a lovely contrast between its red and green leaves. Because...
View full product details
Noshi
$24.00
Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Beginner A kind of ceremonial folded origami attached to celebratory offerings and gifts, to express and express good tidings....
View full product details
Violet
$24.00
Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inches Level: Intermediate A pretty, incredibly fragile-looking little flower. Flowering from March to around May, violets swaying in the breeze is...
View full product details
Christmas Rose
$24.00
Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inches Level: Intermediate This pretty purple flower begins to bloom during the cold winter months and brings color into the pale garden landscape....
View full product details
Pink
$24.00
Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inches Level: Intermediate This flower has always been loved for its pretty frilled petals. You will be able to create astonishing beauty by...
View full product details
Gentian
$24.00
Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inches Level: Beginner Some people say Gentian is the most beautiful wildflower in Japan. It can be found blooming in wet mountain...
View full product details
Three petite flowers + Frame
$45.00
Traditional Japanese Arts and Crafts Card Size: 3.0 x 3.0 inches eachLevel: Intermediate Express the splendor of spring with these three beautiful flowers: rose, corn poppy, and sweet...
View full product details
Color Your Heart Out!
$24.00
A Beginner Chigiri-e Creation Kit Card Size(L): 5.1 x 8.3 inchesLevel: Beginner Create a one-of-a-kind gift using this fun Japanese paper craft kit!Trace & tear...
View full product details
Mom and Puppy Shibas
$24.00
A perfect chigiri-e beginner project Card Size(L): 5.1 x 8.3 inchesLevel: Beginner Do you have a great mom? Then make her smile with this charming...
View full product details
Autumn flowers
$32.00
Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inchesLevel: Intermediate Flowers that brighten the autumn fields are gathered here on a splendid golden art board. The blue and...
View full product details
Grapes
$32.00
Traditional Arts and Crafts Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inchesLevel: Intermediate The delicious-looking bunch of richly fruiting grapes conveys their wonderful weightiness with the way...
View full product details
Sweet Pea
$24.00
Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Beginner Because its petals look like a butterfly about to fly away, the sweet pea symbolizes departure and new journey. The...
View full product details
Aster
$24.00
Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inches Level: Intermediate Aster is a pretty wildflower that brings delightful color on the roadside and gardens in the late summer and...
View full product details
Balloon Flowers (small)
$24.00
Traditional Japanese Arts and Crafts Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Intermediate The contrast between the purple petals and the yellow center of the flower look...
View full product details
Japanese Thistle
$24.00
Traditional Japanese Thistle Art Project Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Beginner Distinguished by its narrow thread-like petals and leaves that spread out like wings,...
View full product details
Japanese Globe Flowers
$32.00
Board Size: 9.5 x 10.6 inches Level: Intermediate ...
View full product details
Camellia
$24.00
Card Size: 4.0 x 5.9 inchesLevel: Intermediate In the world of the Japanese tea ceremony, the camellia is known as the queen of tea house flowers. Gracing...
View full product details