also: わがみ
noun
washi; traditional Japanese paper
Handmade paper using traditional Japanese methods, often from kozo, mitsumata, or gampi fibers. Contrasts with 洋紙 (Western-style paper).
See also: 洋紙
和紙は丈夫で美しいので、書道や折り紙によく使われる。
Washi is strong and beautiful, so it is often used for calligraphy and origami.
This shop sells handmade washi.
洋紙 refers to Western-style paper, typically machine-made from wood pulp, while 和紙 is traditional Japanese handmade paper.
和 (wa, 'Japanese') + 紙 (shi, 'paper'). The reading わし is a standard compound reading; わがみ is a less common kun'yomi-based reading.