Collection: Art Supplies

From Illustrated Letters to Casual Enjoyment of Japanese Painting

The tools you use differ depending on the type of art you create.
From seasonal illustrated letters, to ink wash paintings drawn with shades of ink, to Japanese paintings casually enjoyed with gansai paints—
we offer a wide variety of art materials suited for each genre.
Why not enjoy painting more casually with art supplies? You may discover something new.
On this page, we introduce and sell recommended art supplies, so please take a look.

From Illustrated Letters to Design Calligraphy

Why not create illustrated letters or seasonal greetings such as summer postcards, adding colorful drawings for a different feeling?
Handwritten letters from close friends are always a joy to receive.
Even a simple message is appreciated, but letters or postcards with added colors and decorations convey even more warmth.
You can also broaden your creativity by adding colors to calligraphy and using it for design calligraphy.

Art Supplies ColumnGazai Column

Differences Between Art Brushes and Calligraphy Brushes

Art brushes and calligraphy brushes look quite similar, but for example, menso brushes can be used as art brushes and are ideal for drawing delicate lines, so many people use them.
Art brushes are not primarily used for writing characters, so they include unique types such as broad flat brushes for coloring or coating, or special brushes for shading that are not dipped directly into ink or paint. These functions are reflected in their appearance.
Please see our art brush list page for introductions to each brush type and its features.

Features of Japanese Painting and What “Dosa-biki” Means

One characteristic of Japanese painting is “dosa-biki,” a process where dosa solution is evenly applied with a brush to prevent bleeding on the paper.
This usually uses animal glue (nikawa). To prepare dosa solution, nikawa and raw alum are measured, heated with water until the glue dissolves, then mixed with alum.
Though it takes time, we also offer ready-made dosa solution (a premixed glue and alum liquid), allowing you to begin without preparation.

Gansai Paints Let You Create with Just Water and a Brush

In Japanese painting, mineral pigments or suihi pigments do not adhere well to paper, so they are usually mixed with glue solution. However, you can easily enjoy Japanese painting with gansai paints without needing special pigments.
Gansai are used one color at a time, not mixed, and many sets contain dozens of colors, giving you broad freedom in expression.
Why not start with postcard-sized works? *If you plan to mount your work, we recommend mixing in glue solution or using a mounting spray.