A samurai was supposed to carry a few folded sheets of traditional paper called washi tucked into the front folds of his kimono at all times. The paper could be used to write a missive or even wipe the blood of his sword before re-sheathing. It could be used to receive delicacies, or even money, which although important, to many samurai, the thought of touching any money received directly by hand was abhorrent, and so coins were received on a sheet of washi, before being wrapped and tucked inside the kimono or ones’ wallet.
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