The word kaishi is formed from two characters: kai meaning inside pocket and shi meaning traditional washi paper. The word literally means paper tucked away in oneÕs inside pocket. It harkens back to the times when people kept kaishi in their kimono, much like how we carry around small packages of tissue paper with us today. You can still find many types of kaishi in stationery stores and stores dealing in washi paper products. The most common of these are the pure white variety used in tea ceremonies and other formal occasions. This type are bundled and carried while folded in two. Other kaishi vary in materials and patterns, ranging from those with houndstooth and other watermark patterns to those festooned with seasonal flowers, festive motifs, and colorful modern designs.