Washi Tray by WATARU HATANO

Wataru Hatano has long been dedicated to preserving and reinterpreting Japanese washi traditions. Working from his studio in Kyoto, he creates his own paper from kōzo bark, layering fibres by hand to build depth and tactility. By mounting his washi onto aluminium, Wataru introduces a modern counterpoint, turning the paper into a surface that feels sculptural rather than fragile.

W:13.6cm

L:18cm

H:0.5cm

Artist Bio

Born in 1971 on Awaji Island and trained in oil painting at Tama Art University, Wataru Hatano later shifted his focus to the deep traditions of Japanese papermaking. In 1997, he entered Kurotani, Kyoto’s historic centre for washi, to apprentice under artisans preserving an 800-year-old craft. He became independent in 2000 and was officially certified by Kyoto Prefecture in 2007 for his mastery of traditional techniques.

Working from his atelier KAMISUKI HATANO in Ayabe, Wataru oversees every stage of production—from cultivating kōzo to forming sheets by hand. His practice extends beyond paper itself, exploring how washi can be integrated into contemporary objects, wall surfaces, furniture, and sculptural works. This approach has made his pieces a favourite among galleries, appreciated for their tactile richness, material honesty, and the way they bridge heritage craft with modern expression.

Wataru's work has been exhibited widely across Japan and internationally, and he has contributed to notable interior and architectural projects where his washi brings depth, warmth, and a quiet, textured presence. Collectors value the way he transforms washi from a delicate medium into something enduring, structural, and unmistakably his own.