Collection: Ryoushi Decorative Paper (Traditional Japanese Paper)

RYOSHI

Ryoshi: Exquisitely Decorated Japanese Paper for Kana Calligraphy

In the history of Japanese calligraphy, kana and decorative paper are inseparable. During the Heian period, beautifully embellished papers were created and became the foundation of Japan’s refined kana culture. This specially crafted and decorated paper used for kana calligraphy is known as ryoshi.

Ryoshi is made using a wide variety of traditional Japanese techniques—such as dyed washi, color gradation, sunago (scattered gold and silver powder), gold leaf application, and shell-powder coating—resulting in a uniquely elegant sheet. For learners and experienced calligraphers alike, beautifully decorated paper enriches the experience of writing poetry or kana script.

We offer a wide selection of sizes including hanshi (half-size sheets), hankaishi (half-kai), zenkaishi (full-kai), and kokitsu-rinsho-yoshi for classical text studies. Take your time to find the perfect ryoshi for your calligraphy style and purpose.

Dimensions of Ryoshi

The dimensions of ryoshi were originally established in the Heian period. Although slight variations have emerged over time, their traditional names remain in use today.

The standard size is zenkaishi (approx. 50 × 36 cm). Half of this size is hankaishi (36 × 25 cm), while larger special sizes and kokitsu-ban are used for copying classical works and creating formal calligraphy pieces.

The Decorative Beauty of Ryoshi

Ryoshi is known for its rich and elegant appearance—simply looking at it can lift your spirits. Unlike plain white paper, decorated ryoshi uses techniques such as dyeing, painting, and gold or silver leaf to create a graceful, colorful atmosphere.

Developed alongside the tradition of writing waka poetry, ryoshi differs greatly from paper used for kanji works. Kana ryoshi is processed with dosa sizing (alum and glue) to prevent ink bleeding, allowing delicate, fine strokes to remain crisp. In addition to anti-bleeding treatments, various decorative techniques add depth and visual beauty to each sheet:

■ Bokashi: Soft gradation-dyed paper, creating a gentle and refined look.
■ Sunago Bokashi: Gold or silver leaf ground into fine powder and scattered over the surface to add shimmering decoration.
■ Kirihaku Sunago Bokashi: Small cut pieces of gold or silver leaf are applied over sunago, combining subtle sparkle with bold highlights.
■ Gubiki (Gofun Coating): The surface is coated with powdered shell (gofun), enhancing ink adhesion and producing a unique white, velvety texture.

Gold and silver leaf make artworks even more striking. These decorative flakes have traditional names according to size—from large to small: “Ishi,” “Noge,” “Sansho,” “Arare,” and “Sunago.”