A kaishi (懐紙) is an elegant piece of paper, which has been used in Japan since the Heian period (794-1185). Kaishi are traditionally carried by the Japanese in kimono sleeves.
This paper can be used in many ways:
- as a plate to serve sweets such as wasanbon,
- to clean your tea bowl or wipe your mouth during a tea ceremony,
- to wrap leftover sweets after a tea ceremony,
- to write down a memo.
The Japanese used them at that time to write waka (= traditional Japanese poems). Kaishi can also be used as a coaster or table decoration.
You can buy your own kaishi by clicking here!
