Collection: Calligraphy Felt Mat (Shitajiki Under Mat)
Calligraphy Mats for Stable and Comfortable Writing
Calligraphy mats are essential tools that support smooth and stable writing.
They protect desks and floors from ink stains while creating a soft surface that improves brush control.
Different mats are available in various sizes, materials, and thicknesses, allowing you to choose the one that best matches your paper format and writing environment.
An Essential Tool for Calligraphy
Also known as “mousen,” calligraphy mats are placed beneath the paper when writing.
Calligraphy paper is thin and highly absorbent, and excess ink can easily seep through to the surface below.
Using a mat prevents ink from staining desks or floors and provides cushioning that helps stabilize the brush movement.
Combined with a paperweight, the mat helps keep the paper steady and makes writing more comfortable.
About Mat Sizes
Calligraphy mats come in a variety of sizes to match different paper formats.
Smaller mats are suitable for everyday practice or desk work, while larger mats provide enough space for long scrolls and large-scale calligraphy.
Choosing a mat slightly larger than the paper helps prevent ink stains and gives extra room for reference sheets or completed work.
About Mat Materials
Calligraphy mats are mainly made from felt or lasha cloth.
Felt mats provide a soft, cushioned surface with a luxurious texture, while lasha mats are woven and more resistant to stretching or wrinkling.
Each material offers different characteristics, so you can choose according to durability, portability, and personal preference.
About Mat Thickness
Mats are available in several thicknesses.
Standard thickness works well for desk writing, while thicker mats provide additional cushioning and help absorb unevenness when writing on tatami or floor surfaces.
Selecting a thickness that suits your environment can greatly improve writing comfort.
Guide Lines and Color Options
Some mats include printed guide lines that help beginners maintain correct spacing and balance.
Others are plain, allowing for a cleaner writing environment preferred by many experienced calligraphers.
Color choices also vary: darker mats help conceal ink stains, while light-colored mats prevent background color from showing through thin paper.
