Collection: Japanese Calligraphy Paper

We offer over 800 types of “Calligraphy and Shodo Paper.”

Various Types of Japanese Calligraphy Paper

The size of “Japanese Calligraphy Paper” comes in many variations, such as hanshi, eighth-cut, hansetsu, full-size sheets, and special sizes. Within these, there are also many types: for schoolchildren, first-calligraphy of the year (kakizome), ink painting (sumi-e), sutra copying, exhibitions, and more. Shoyu Online provides a wide selection suitable for everyone, from elementary students to professional calligraphers.

Paper That Can Transform the Expression of Your Work

Japanese Calligraphy Paper plays an important role as it can “change the expression of the work.”
Depending on its absorbency, thickness, and method of production, Japanese Calligraphy Paper shows a wide variety of textures.
One of the pleasures of calligraphy is expanding your range of expression by choosing paper to suit your preferences and purpose.

At Shoyu Online, we clearly display the absorbency and thickness of the paper.
Even customers who often say, “It’s hard to buy paper online,” can purchase with confidence through Shoyu Online’s carefully selected Japanese Calligraphy Paper.

Japanese Calligraphy Paper ColumnKAMI Column

Sizes of Japanese Calligraphy Paper

The most standard size of Japanese Calligraphy Paper is the “Four-Shaku Gasen” (approx. 69×136 cm).
It is also called “Zenshi” (full sheet), “Shogasen,” or “Yonshaku-mono.”
The “Four-Shaku Gasen (Full Sheet)” is the base size, and when cut vertically in half, it becomes “Hansetsu” or “Johaku.”

For public exhibitions, works must follow the sizes specified by the event. Please note that the size refers to the mounted piece in its frame.
At Shoyu Online, you can choose from a variety of special sizes.
We have summarized the typical sizes and names of paper, listed from largest to smallest, along with an illustration below.

No.	Paper Size	Reading	Sizecm	Alternate Name
1	2×8 Shaku	Ni-kakeru Hachi-shaku	Approx. 60×240cm	Ni-hachi
2	Shaku-happei	Shaku-happei	Approx. 53×234cm	Chinese standard size
			Approx. 53×228cm	Japanese standard size
3	Six-Shaku Gasen	Roku-shaku Gasen	Approx. 96×180cm	Large Gasen
4	3×6 Shaku	San-kakeru Roku-shaku	Approx. 90×180cm	Saburoku
5	2×6 Shaku	Ni-kakeru Roku-shaku	Approx. 60×180cm	Niroku
6	Five-Shaku Gasen	Go-shaku Gasen	Approx. 84×150cm	Medium Gasen
7	Four-Shaku Gasen	Yon-shaku Gasen	Approx. 69×136cm	Full Sheet (Zenshi)
8	Ren-ochi	Ren-ochi	Approx. 53×136cm	―
9	Hansetsu	Hansetsu	Approx. 34.5×136cm	Half of full sheet
10	Yatsugiri	Yatsugiri	Approx. 17.5×68cm	―
11	Zenkai-shi	Zenkai-shi	Approx. 48.5×36.5cm	―
12	Hankai-shi	Hankai-shi	Approx. 36.5×24.5cm	―
13	Hanshi	Hanshi	Approx. 33.4×24.3cm	―

How to Store Japanese Calligraphy Paper

Japanese Calligraphy Paper is one of the most important tools among the “Four Treasures of the Study.”
Proper storage is essential to maintain quality and support better creations.

Storage Tips

Store in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place away from direct sunlight.
Storing in paulownia chests or on top of a wardrobe is recommended.
Allow the paper to “breathe.”
Wrap in newspaper or washi for best results.
Add insect-repellent incense to prevent damage from insects.
Avoid sealing in plastic, which traps moisture and can cause stains.

Letting the Paper “Age”

It is often said that paper a few years old is better than freshly made paper.
Allowing paper to age produces the following changes:

Fibers become tighter
Ink penetrates well with less bleeding
Ink color becomes richer
Texture of brush strokes improves
Brush lifts off the paper more smoothly, making writing easier overall

Paper repeatedly absorbs and releases moisture, removing glue content and drying naturally. Such “aged paper” provides excellent ink absorption, beautiful bleed and texture, and superior color expression.
Although aging may cause slight yellowing or speckles (“stars”), these are often valued features.
However, poor storage may cause paper to “catch a cold,” lowering its quality compared to fresh paper, so caution is needed.

In recent years, the time from production to sale has shortened, reducing natural drying periods. Thus, papers often still contain residual bleed at delivery, and most are treated with anti-bleed solutions. Over-aging may actually result in paper that resists ink completely.

What is Xuan Paper?

About Xuan Paper

Xuan paper has been produced for over 1,500 years in Jing County, Anhui Province, China.
It is highly regarded for its excellent bleed and texture, widely used in Japan for calligraphy and ink painting.

Types of Xuan Paper

Mianliao Danxuan

Standard type. Thin.
Made from approx. 30% blue sandalwood bark / 70% rice straw.

Jingpi Danxuan

Same thickness as Mianliao Danxuan.
Made from approx. 40% blue sandalwood bark / 60% rice straw.

Mianliao Zhong Danxuan

Slightly thicker than Danxuan, producing deeper ink color.

Mianliao Mianlian Xuan

Thinner than Danxuan. Said to produce the most beautiful ink tones.

Mianliao Jiaxuan

Made by scooping twice. Equivalent to two sheets of Danxuan combined.

Mianliao Double-layer Jiaxuan

Thicker, producing deeper ink tones suitable for bold expression.
Created by drying two sheets together as one.
Ink penetrates deeply with less spreading, allowing stronger effects.

In general, thicker paper absorbs more ink deeply and expresses power more strongly, but also requires more ink and produces more texture (kasuri). Thinner paper allows crisp strokes and lighter brush movement, with ink often reaching the back of the sheet.