ORIGINAL BRAND

寅印の名前の由来は、明治まで遡ります。現在の群馬県桐生市梅田町で生産された和紙は「桐生紙（きりゅうがみ）」と呼ばれ、大正末年頃までは通い帳などの帳面紙や障子紙として、かなりの量が生産されていました。往時は二十余戸の漉き屋があったそうです。橘の生家である星野家は屋号を紙屋と言い、四代目の寅吉が活躍した明治の頃が最も生産量が多かったそうです。「寅吉が手掛けた紙は「寅印」と呼ばれ、他の桐生紙よりも高値で取引された」（六代目冨吉談）のだとか。つまり「寅印」は、桐生和紙にとっての信頼の証なのです。
紙のサイズが大きくなり技術革新に努めた五代目與一郎。戦後、細々と紙漉きを続けてきた六代目冨吉。冨吉から手解きを受けた七代目増太郎が専業化し、現在に至ります。

The origin of “Tora-Jirushi” goes back to the Meiji period. The Washi made in Kiryu City, Gumma Prefecture was known as “Kiryu-Gami” and was often used for notebooks and sliding door screens until the end of the Taisho period.
The Hoshino family business, known as “Kamiya” (paper workshop) prospered mostly during the time of Torakichi Hoshino, fourth generation. His paper was called “Tora-Jirushi” and was sold at higher prices than other competing Kiryu-Gami products of the area because of its excellent quality. Therefore, “Tora-Jirushi” is the symbol of excellence for The Kiryu-Washi workshop.
Yoichiro Hoshino, fifth generation, introduced a larger size of paper which was dimensioned for an entire sliding door. Sixth generation Tomikichi, successfully kept the business running while under pressure of western paper companies following World War II. Seventh generation Mastaro, breathed fresh life the “Kiryu-Washi” family business after leaving his office job in the city for a life of hand-making paper.