“Kaiawase” (shell combining) was an elegant
game played by the old nobility using shellfish
decorated with beautifully drawn pictures.
Holding the same gorgeousness is
the “KAMI NO KAIGARA WAN” paper tray.
The shell is painted with beautiful patterns,
and emits a light as a shell found on the beach.
The creator of these “KAMI NO KAIGARA WAN”
paper trays is the atelier Yushima-art Limited Company,
which passed down the techniques to colour in fusuma
sliding screens for generations as decorative artists.
Patterns are painted using the techniques of
“Hakebiki” (wet brushing) and “Kushibiki” (a combing technique),
and the glittering light is produced
by mica mixed together with paint,
as well as carefully applied gold foil powder.
These “KAMI NO KAIGARA WAN” paper trays
are prefabricated for assembly.
This allows to experience the added fun of making
the shell three-dimensional by oneself,
following the instructions of the blueprint in
folding the paper in both directions.
The finished shell can be used as a tray for accessories.
One nice way of usage is to put a present on the shell and
arrange the wrapping so that you can see its contents.
With five patterns in three colours there is
a total of 15 varieties,inviting you to combine
colours and patterns to enjoy these trays as interior.