Enjoy Calligraphy and Shodo Mounting Yourself
Various mounting tools to enhance your works. Brushes, backing paper, mounting paste, fixatives, blotting paper, and more are available for order.
These are also used by skilled mounting artisans of Nara Shoyu, so you can us
Enjoy Mounting Calligraphy and Shodo Works by Yourself
A carefully selected range of mounting tools to enhance and preserve your calligraphy works.
From brushes and backing papers to mounting paste, fixatives, and blotting paper,
we provide essential items for home mounting and finishing.
These tools are also trusted and used by experienced mounting artisans at Nara Shoyu,
so you can work with confidence and peace of mind.
Please explore our collection.
Easy and Enjoyable Mounting at Home
Mounting, also known as hyoso, refers to finishing artworks as hanging scrolls,
scrolls, folding screens, frames, or albums by attaching cloth or paper.
Mounting helps preserve calligraphy works over time and enhances their presentation.
Today, many people enjoy mounting small pieces in their own style or preparing them as thoughtful gifts.
Once you experience the joy of mounting and displaying your work, calligraphy becomes even more rewarding.
Though it may seem difficult, smaller works are quite manageable—if you create a piece you love,
try mounting it yourself.
For Those Trying Mounting at Home
Backing is the process of attaching special paper to the back of the artwork to strengthen it
and prevent wrinkles or sagging.
Essential tools include backing paper, a spray bottle, an iron,
a cutter for trimming excess paper, and a mat for ironing work.
Lightly mist the paper, allow it to dry, then smooth wrinkles with an iron or brush.
After attaching the backing paper, finish the piece with a hanging scroll or frame.
A simplified option known as “temporary scroll mounting” is also available.
Differences Between Dry and Wet Mounting
The method described above is called dry backing.
It uses pre-glued backing paper, bonded with heat using an iron or professional press.
In contrast, wet (traditional) backing requires preparing backing paper manually,
adjusting glue concentration, and applying it carefully with a brush.
The work is then dried naturally without heat.
Artisans skilled in this traditional process are known as hyogushi.
About Mounting ToolsAbout Hyogu Item
Brush
An essential tool for mounting, used to apply paste evenly and smooth wrinkles.
By adjusting the angle and pressure, the brush helps achieve a refined, professional finish.
Mounting Paste
Mounting paste greatly influences the final result.
Choosing the right paste ensures proper adhesion and drying suited to each process.
Fixative (Spray)
Fixative spray stabilizes the paper when attaching backing,
helping maintain a clean and even appearance for displayed works.
Spray Bottle
Used to evenly apply fine moisture to paper or cloth,
making it easier to stretch and smooth during mounting.
Awl
A practical tool for precise positioning and creating small guide holes during mounting work.
them with confidence.
Please take a look.
Easy and Enjoyable Mounting
Mounting, also called hyoso, refers to scrolls, hanging scrolls, fusuma, folding screens, frames, and albums made by attaching cloth or paper.
Mounting preserves works for the long term. Many people now enjoy decorating small calligraphy works in their own style or giving them as gifts.
Once you experience the joy of mounting and displaying your works, calligraphy becomes even more enjoyable.
Though it may seem difficult, small works can be managed. If you create a piece you love, try mounting it yourself.
For Those Trying Mounting at Home
Backing is the process of attaching special paper to the back of a work (the honshi) to strengthen it. It helps prevent wrinkles and sagging.
Essential tools include “backing paper,” “spray bottle,” “iron,” a “cutter knife” to trim excess paper, and a “mat” for use with the spray bottle and iron.
Spray lightly, then stretch out wrinkles with an iron or brush once dry.
Afterwards, attach the backing paper, then finish with a hanging scroll or frame for display. ※For scrolls, there is a simplified method called “temporary scroll mounting.”
Differences Between Dry and Wet Mounting
The method introduced above is called “dry backing.” It uses pre-glued backing paper pressed with an iron at home or a press machine professionally.
In contrast, “wet backing” or “traditional backing” requires preparing backing paper (torinoko paper) yourself.
You carefully manage glue concentration and brush technique, then allow the work to dry naturally without heat. Craftsmen skilled in this are known as hyogushi (mounting artisans).
About Mounting ToolsAbout Hyogu item
Brush
The brush is an essential tool in mounting, used to beautifully finish calligraphy works.
It is used to spread glue thinly and evenly on the backing paper, and to smooth out wrinkles and unevenness, ensuring a refined result.
By holding the brush upright or flat, you can pat or stroke, enhancing the final finish of the mounting.
Mounting Paste
Paste used in mounting is a key material that greatly affects the result.
The strength of adhesion and drying speed determine the finish, so it is important to choose the right paste for the process.
Fixative (Spray)
Fixative spray is used as an adhesive for attaching backing paper when displaying calligraphy works, stabilizing the paper and ensuring a neat finish.
Spray Bottle
A spray bottle is used in mounting to evenly apply fine moisture to paper or cloth.
When smoothing wrinkles during backing or mounting, lightly misting paper or washi softens it and makes it easier to stretch flat.
Awl
An awl is a useful tool in mounting, used to make small holes in paper or cloth or for precise positioning tasks.
