Sizes of Calligraphy Paper
When you think of calligraphy paper, what comes to mind?
In fact, calligraphy paper comes in many sizes and names.
The paper is pre-cut to standard sizes, so choose the size that best fits your purpose.
It may seem complicated because there are so many types, but it’s not difficult if you select based on your needs and usage.
Here, we will explain calligraphy paper sizes in an easy-to-understand way.
Basic Calligraphy Paper Size: Shishaku Gasen
The most standard size for calligraphy paper is Shishaku Gasen (四尺画仙).
Its dimensions are approximately 69×136 cm. It is also called "Zenshi" (全紙), "Shogasen" (小画仙), or "Shishaku Mono" (四尺物).
Shishaku Gasen (Zenshi) is the base size, and cutting it in half lengthwise gives "Hansetsu" (半切) or "Jofuku" (条幅).
For works submitted to open exhibitions, follow the specified size determined by the exhibition, which refers to the framed size.
At Shoyu Online, you can select from special large sizes.
Representative Paper Sizes
Below is a table of representative paper sizes and their names, listed from largest to smallest. Please refer to the diagram as well.
| No. | Paper Size | Pronunciation | Dimensions cm (Width × Height) | Other Names |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2×8 Shaku | 2 kakeru 8 shaku | Approx. 60×240 cm | 2×8 (Ni-Hachi) |
| 2 | Shaku-Hachi Byō | Shaku-Happei | Approx. 53×234 cm | Chinese Standard |
| Approx. 53×228 cm | Japanese Standard | |||
| 3 | Rokushaku Gasen | Rokushaku Gasen | Approx. 96×180 cm | Large Gasen |
| 4 | 3×6 Shaku | 3 kakeru 6 shaku | Approx. 90×180 cm | San-Roku |
| 5 | 2×6 Shaku | 2 kakeru 6 shaku | Approx. 60×180 cm | Ni-Roku |
| 6 | Goshaku Gasen | Goshaku Gasen | Approx. 84×150 cm | Medium Gasen |
| 7 | Shishaku Gasen | Shishaku Gasen | Approx. 69×136 cm | Zenshi, Shogasen, Shishaku Mono |
| 8 | Ren-Ochi | Ren-Ochi | Approx. 53×136 cm | — |
| 9 | Hansetsu | Hansetsu | Approx. 34.5×136 cm | — |