Collection: Under Mat

Over 100 Types of Calligraphy Mats Available

We offer a wide selection of felt and lasha (woolen cloth) mats in various sizes, including hanshi (half-size paper), hansetsu (half-cut), full paper, desk size, and octavo size.
We also sell cut-to-length mats starting from 10 cm, making them suitable for everyone from elementary school students to professional calligraphers.
Please take a look at our collection.

Calligraphy Mats Are Essential Tools

Also known as “mousen,” mats are indispensable in calligraphy.
When writing on hanshi or gassen paper with ink or ink solution, the paper used in calligraphy is very thin and soft, and it absorbs moisture easily.
Without a mat, when excess ink or solution is applied, it can seep through the back of the paper and stain the surface beneath.

Always use a mat under the paper to protect important desks or floors from stains.
Placing a paperweight on top of the paper also helps keep it steady, making it easier to write.
Calligraphy mats come in different materials such as felt and lasha, with or without guide lines, and in a variety of sizes.

About Mat Sizes

Here is a simple list summarizing the standard sizes of calligraphy mats handled by Shoyu Online.
We carry a wide range, from small to large. Please select the size that best matches your paper format.

No.	Mat Size	Standard Sizecm
1	Bino-ban	28×38cm
2	Hanshi	30×40cm
3	Desk Size	40×60cm
4	Octavo Size	22.5×75cm
5	Three Hanshi	29×110cm
6	Hansetsu (Half-Cut)	45×150cm
7	Full Paper	90×150cm
8	Full Eight-Shaku	90×250cm
9	Two Full Sheets	90×300cm
10	Two Horizontal Full Sheets	180×180cm

About Mat Materials

■ Felt Mats
Made of “synthetic fibers + wool.”
The compressed fibers give a luxurious and voluminous feel.
Though more expensive than lasha, they come in a variety of colors and are popular among users.
They feel soft and flexible, but wrinkle easily, so they should be rolled rather than folded for storage and transport. Washing is not recommended.

■ Lasha Mats
Made of “nylon blend + wool.”
The woven fibers make them strong, resistant to stretching and shrinking, and highly durable.
They feel firmer than felt mats but are less likely to wrinkle, so they can be folded for storage.
They are also cheaper than felt mats, which is another factor when choosing.
For washing, light soaking is acceptable.

About Mat Thickness

There are two types of materials, felt and lasha, and each comes in thicknesses of 1 mm, 2 mm, or 3 mm.
Generally, 2 mm is the most commonly used. Thicker mats provide greater cushioning, offering more stability.
When writing on flat surfaces like desks, thinner mats are usually fine. However, when writing on tatami or floor surfaces, a thicker mat (around 3 mm) helps cover unevenness.
Since the preferred thickness varies from person to person, it is best to choose according to your needs.

About Mat Sizes

Cut-to-Length Options Available
Like paper, mats are available in standard sizes such as “Hanshi,” “Hansetsu,” “Full Paper,” and “Shaku-hachi.”
In addition to size, there are many choices of material and lined/unlined options, so understanding the basics will make it easier to choose.

First, select a size that matches the paper you are using. As a rule of thumb, it’s safest to choose the largest size possible.
Without enough space to place your copy model or finished work to the side, it can feel inconvenient.
Since calligraphy involves subtle movements beyond just writing, having extra space makes the experience more comfortable and practical.
If the paper extends beyond the mat, a larger mat will prevent stains on other surfaces.

Please select a size that matches the paper you use. If you often write on “Hansetsu,” we recommend a “Full Paper” size mat. The extra space is very convenient.
Common sizes include: “Bino-ban” 28×38 cm, “Hanshi” 30×40 cm, “Desk Size” 40×60 cm, “Octavo” 22.5×75 cm, “Three Hanshi” 29×110 cm, “Hansetsu” 45×150 cm, “Full Paper” 90×150 cm, and “Full Eight-Shaku” 90×250 cm. (At Shoyu, we also sell felt mats by the cut, 90 cm wide.)
Please select a size that suits your work and writing environment.

About Guide Lines and Color Variations

In addition to size and material, mats come with or without guide lines and in different colors.
Mats with pre-printed guide lines are very useful for beginners as a writing aid.
However, some teachers prefer mats without guide lines, so it may be worth confirming.
Mats also come in various colors. Black and navy hide stains well, while white prevents the color of the mat from showing through the thin paper, ensuring that the appearance of your work is not disturbed.