Sahlstrand describes two kinds of Japanese paper fabrics: Kumiko, first made in 988, is a non-woven paper fabric; and Shifu, a woven paper fabric appeared around 1638. The manufacture of paper fabrics in Japan declined when inexpensive machine-made cloth became available; by the 1920's, neither was being produced. The art of making these fabrics has been revived, and the author describes the different types of Shifu now being woven by japanese craftsmen, the making of Shifugami (paper) and Shifu thread. Koplos touches briefly on the history of paper clothing in the West and proceeds to discuss contemporary artist-made paperclothing. -- AATA