Asian-Inspired Gift Wrap 2008

This week while on assignment for Atlanta Intown Paper, I visited Paper Source, the newly opened emporium on North Highland Avenue. The shop has a stellar collection of decorative Japanese paper and I left with a few sheets in my shopping bag. Although this durable paper is generally used by crafters and artists for special projects, I like to use it occasionally to wrap small gifts.

It costs between $7 to $10 per sheet, so using it as wrapping paper isn't the most economically sound idea. But for a friend who will appreciate it, the exquisite paper really elevates a humble gift. Some of my friends and I purposely exchange inexpensive birthday presents that are all about the personal meaning, and it's fun to cover these kinds of gifts in luxe trimmings. The warm tones shown here are nice for fall.

Imari-inspired paper is on the package above. As Gotheborg explains, "Imari" is really a Japanese harbor located near the Arita kiln. In the West, the term "Japanese Imari" has become the trade name of a Japanese ware with a decoration usually in underglaze blue with added red, gilt and occasionally green enamels. The Eastern name for this style of decoration is aka-e (red painting) and was first produced around 1640.

The papers above are suggestive of a Japanese textile.

Speaking of luxe, Asian-style packaging, a few months ago I had the pleasure of researching a story about lacquer for Southern Accents. Two talented decorators offered some input: Phoebe Howard (she found the gorgeous antique boxes above) and Charlotte Moss. Not surprisingly, Ms. Moss had an incredibly sumptuous idea when it came to creative uses for the boxes -- simply add a lavish ribbon and make one a gift box! For more see the November issue.

Last photograph by Lauren Rubenstein