"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.

The word Washi comes from the word "wa" meaning Japanese, and "shi," meaning paper, and 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.