Handcrafted Sugihara Washi Paper Pen Tray – Gray

The Handcrafted Sugihara Washi Paper Pen Tray – Gray is a piece of Japanese paper stationery made from traditional Sugihara washi, a handmade paper with more than 1,000 years of history. Designed to hold pens, pencils, and small desk items, this tray blends cultural heritage with practical strength, bringing refined simplicity to your workspace.

Sugihara washi is produced from 100% natural plant fibers, hand-scooped in the clear river waters of Taka, Hyogo. This process creates a soft texture, subtle natural patterns, and an elegant gray tone that feels both modern and timeless. To enhance durability, a strip of cloth is sewn along the upper edge, reinforcing the tray while adding a crafted detail.

Each tray has undergone durability testing. While the surface may feel damp when exposed to water, the moisture does not penetrate inside. However, since washi’s water repellency is limited, we recommend avoiding prolonged contact with moisture to preserve its beauty over time.

Every piece is handmade, so slight variations in shade and finish are part of its charm. Ideal for stationery lovers, this gray pen tray is more than just an organizer—it carries the quiet story of washi into your everyday desk life.

Details

• Size: 4.7" × 7.9" (12 cm × 20 cm)
• Weight: 1.3 oz (37 g)
  
• Material: Sugihara Washi Paper
  
• Brand: HALOP
• Note: Each piece is uniquely handmade, so expect some individual differences.
  

Paper Stationery Crafted with Washi and Weaving

HALOP was founded by Daichi Tachibana, a former bag and wallet craftsman who relocated to Taka, Hyogo to bring the region’s materials and skills into everyday life. Born in Shikokuchuo, Ehime, often called Japan’s paper capital, Tachibana carries a natural sensitivity to fibers and finish. HALOP pairs hand-made Sugihara washi paper with Banshu-ori (textile) to create quiet, well-made tools that serve the needs of modern paper stationery and writing instruments. The guiding idea is to know your way back and gain options, honoring tradition while offering another texture you can choose for daily use.

Sugihara washi has been handed down in Taka for centuries, supported by the area’s clear water. Made by hand from long natural fibers, it has a gentle whiteness and supple strength. Combined with the region’s yarn-dyed Banshu-ori, the pieces balance lightness with calm durability. As pen trays and pen cases, they place the story of the materials softly on your desk.

Practical use comes first. Thoughtful interlinings and precise stitching add structure, while a thin coating of konnyaku (konjac) starch lends pleasant firmness without losing the soft touch of paper. Select accents of locally sourced deer leather from wildlife management help the work use resources responsibly. In 2024 the line was recognized by the Hyogo Five Star program, reflecting the value of this regional craft initiative.