Kaishi
/ˈkaɪ.ʃiː/noun
A traditional Japanese folded paper carried inside the kimono for writing, wiping, wrapping, or ceremonial use.
Did you know?Kaishi was traditionally kept in the kimono’s breast area, making it both a practical object and an intimate part of formal Japanese etiquette.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Chinese
Chinese
紙 (zhǐ)
“Paper; the character originally referred to a writing material made from fibers.”
Classical Japanese
Japanese
懐 (futokoro)
“The inside of a robe or the breast area where small objects could be carried.”
Classical Japanese
Japanese
懐紙 (kaishi)
“Paper carried inside one’s clothing, especially for practical or ceremonial purposes.”
Heian Period, 8th–12th centuries
Japanese
かいし / 懐紙
“Folded paper used in courtly writing, poetry, tea practice, and personal etiquette.”
Modern English
English
kaishi
“A Japanese cultural term for traditional folded paper carried or used in formal settings.”