Collection: Sumi-e Paper (Paper for Japanese Ink Painting)

SUIBOKUGA YOSHI

Sumi-e Paper Designed to Enhance the Beauty of Ink Painting

At Shoyu, we offer a wide selection of sumi-e (Japanese ink painting) paper crafted to bring out the depth, nuance, and expressive beauty of sumi ink. Because sumi-e techniques vary greatly—from soft gradations to bold contrasts—we provide many sizes and types of Japanese washi tailored to different artistic preferences.

Sumi-e Paper Sizes

Types of Sumi-e Paper

1. Gasenshi / Nisoshi (Double-layered Paper)
Traditional Japanese paper is usually dried sheet by sheet after formation. Nisoshi, however, is dried two sheets together and left as one, creating a slightly thicker and denser paper ideal for sumi ink layering. It has minimal bleeding, a strong surface, and is excellent for works requiring multiple layers of ink.

2. Mashi (Hemp Paper)
Made from hemp fibers, this paper is strong yet flexible, with a subtle sheen and soft texture. It absorbs moisture beautifully, allowing ink tones and gradations to appear with natural elegance. Mashi offers gentle bleed, supports multi-layer techniques, and does not easily show brushstrokes.

3. Kozoshi (Mulberry Paper)
Made from kozo (mulberry) fibers, this washi is durable, flexible, and naturally lustrous. It handles moisture exceptionally well and has long been used in shoji screens, mounting, umbrellas, and traditional crafts. Its warm natural color enhances the richness of sumi ink and is beloved as a classic Japanese paper for sumi-e.

4. Unshuhishi (Unshu Bark Paper)
Made from mulberry bark, Unshuhishi is known for its almost zero bleeding. Its distinct surface wrinkles bring out the original tone and gloss of sumi ink, producing an antique and mystical atmosphere. Highly tear-resistant, it is ideal for long handscrolls and large-scale ink works.