How to Choose Red Star Brand Paper (Kōseihai)

Different types of Hongxing (Red Star) paper are named according to raw material composition and thickness

When you decide to purchase Hongxing paper, you may find so many varieties that it feels overwhelming. To help, here is an introduction to the main types and their features.

Choose the perfect Hongxing paper for you, based on nijimi (ink spreading) and ink color!

1. Differences in raw material composition create two types of nijimi (ink spreading).
• Menliao (棉料): About 30% sandalwood bark, 70% rice straw. With a higher proportion of straw, it shows more nijimi compared to Jingpi. The fine texture produces beautiful ink spreading.
• Jingpi (浄皮): About 40% sandalwood bark, 60% rice straw. With less straw, it shows less nijimi than Menliao. Having more bark makes it thinner and stronger.

2. Paper thickness affects ink color and brush movement.
• The thicker the paper, the deeper the ink penetrates, expressing power and strength. However, ink absorption is stronger, making brushwork feel heavier. More ink is required, and it is easier to produce dry-brush effects.
• Thinner paper allows ink to penetrate through more easily, making it easier to express sharpness. With weaker absorption, brushwork feels lighter.

3. Finding the perfect Hongxing paper for yourself
Since results differ depending on brush, ink, and writing pressure, please refer to the list below and try different types.

Types of Hongxing Paper

1. Menliao Danxuan (棉料単宣)
The standard type. Thinner and with more rice straw, it produces more nijimi compared to Jingpi Danxuan.

2. Jingpi Danxuan (浄皮単宣)
Same thickness as Menliao Danxuan, but with less rice straw. Shows less nijimi than Menliao.

3. Menliao Zhong Danxuan (棉料重単宣)
A slightly thicker version of Danxuan. Shows less nijimi than Menliao Danxuan.

4. Menliao Mian Lianxuan (棉料綿連宣)
Thinner than Danxuan. Its thinness is said to bring out beautiful nijimi.

5. Menliao Jiaxuan (棉料夾宣)
Made by scooping the pulp twice, giving it the thickness of two Danxuan sheets combined.

6. Menliao Two-Layer Jiaxuan (棉料二層夾宣)
During drying, two sheets of Jiaxuan are layered and dried as one. With greater thickness, ink penetrates deeply with less horizontal spread, expressing even more strength than Jiaxuan.

7. Menliao Three-Layer Jiaxuan (棉料三層夾宣)
Made by drying three Jiaxuan sheets together as one. The thickness allows for powerful expression and dry-brush effects.