Konnyaku Powder

Konnyaku Powder
Konnyaku powder, processed from the tuberous root of the devil's tongue plant, is often used in Japan for
food. It has also been used for centuries to coat paper, especially for use in making kamiko, paper clothing.
Washi treated with prepared konnyaku paste, called momigami (kneaded paper) or kyoseishi (strong paper)
is made stronger, more flexible and abrasion-resistant than untreated paper. Because the paper's pores are
coated, it also becomes wind and water-resistant as well as having improved heat retention while still
remaining breathable. In paper kimono, kamiko has often outlasted the silk that lines them. Kyoseishi and
momigami have also been used to create practical items, such as bags and wallets that might otherwise
have been made from cloth or leather.
Recipes for different powder to water ratios exist, and all of them work, so it should be noted that it's unlikely
you can go completely wrong. Because prepared konnyaku paste can only be kept for a limited time
(approx. 1 week refrigerated) it's best to prepare smaller amounts. We use 1/2 teaspoon konnyaku powder
to 1 cup water. The amount of washi you can coat depends on the weight of the paper (heavier paper takes
up more konnyaku) but on average you should be able to coat 4 sheets (24 x 36") that are around 30g in
weight with this recipe. For a smaller amount of paper you might begin with 1/4 t powder and 1/2 c water.
Dry powder can be kept indefinitely.
MATERIALS
• konnyaku powder • wide brush (2" or wider) with moderately springy bristles
• water • smooth, washable work surface, or table cover
• measuring cup & spoons • washi (kozo is best)
• stirring spoon or stick
STARCH PREPARATION & APPLICATION
Sprinkle 1/2 teaspoon of konnyaku powder into 1 cup room temperature water. Stir constantly for
approximately 20-30 minutes to prevent lumps from forming. After the mixture begins to thicken, stir it
periodically, every 15 minutes or so, until it is quite thick. At this point, it’s good to let it sit for a while. It’s
ready to be used when the particles are completely dissolved and the solution is thick and smooth: this can
take 3-5 hours. If you mix your konnyaku in a mason-type jar with a tight-fitting lid, you can shake the
solution after the initial 20-30 minutes of stirring.
The konnyaku paste may be diluted by adding water, small amounts at a time. Do this especially if the paper
being treated is delicate. Experimentation will tell you how much to thin the solution.
Using your brush, apply the prepared konnyaku to both sides of the paper. If the paper is thin – 25g or less
– you may only need to coat one side of the sheet as the konnyaku paste will soak through. Avoid building a
heavy sticky coating: better to apply more than one thin coat, drying in between applications. While the
paper is still damp, but no longer sticky, crumple the sheet into a loose ball and squeeze it gently. Open it up
and stretch it out, laying it flat or drape over a drying rack to dry. Be careful not to stretch out all the
crumpling – this is what gives the paper malleability.
If using konnyaku paste to pretreat paper for dyeing, it may be diluted, and the crumpling omitted. The paper
may also be crumpled once it has dried; this is especially useful when coating thinner papers that may be
too delicate when wet.
½ teaspoon konnyaku powder = 2g