A Guide to Shikishi Dimensions: Japanese Names, Sizes, and Uses

Shikishi (色紙) are traditional Japanese boards used for calligraphy, painting, and autographs. While their dimensions may vary slightly by manufacturer, their sizes remain largely consistent.

Below is a guide to shikishi dimensions, including their Japanese names and traditional uses.

Standard Shikishi Sizes:

1. Large (大色紙, Dai-shikishi)

   • Dimensions: 24.2 x 27.3 cm (approximately 9.5 x 10.7 inches)

   • Commonly used for art, painting and calligraphy.

     
     

2. Small (小色紙, Sho-shikishi)

   • Dimensions: 18.2 x 21.2 cm (approximately 7.2 x 8.3 inches)

   • Popular for smaller works or personal gifts.

     
     

3. Mini (ミニ色紙, Mini-shikishi)

   • Dimensions: 12.1 x 13.6 cm (approximately 4.8 x 5.4 inches)

   • Used for compact, delicate designs, small paintings.

   
   

4. Half (半色紙, Han-shikishi)

   • Dimensions: 12.1 x 27.3 cm (approximately 4.8 x 10.7 inches)

   • A tall, narrow format.

     
     

5. Long (短冊, Tanzaku)

   • Dimensions: 6.4 x 36.4 cm (approximately 2.5 x 14.3 inches)

   • Used for poetry or single-line calligraphy.

Dai-shikishi or standard shikishi board. Gazen Doza paper mounted on layered papers from Mino. Available for purchase at Art San Gallery.

There are also larger sizes of shikishi beyond the standard ones. These larger sizes are less standard but are great for creating impactful art or detailed calligraphy while maintaining the traditional aesthetic of shikishi. Here are some examples:

Larger Shikishi Sizes:

1. Extra Large (大判色紙, Ōban-shikishi)

   • Dimensions: 27.3 x 39.4 cm (approximately 10.7 x 15.5 inches)

   • Often used for expansive designs or group projects.

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2. Jumbo (特大色紙, Tokudai-shikishi)

   • Dimensions: 30.3 x 42.4 cm (approximately 11.9 x 16.7 inches)

   • Suitable for large-scale calligraphy or elaborate paintings.

     
     

3. Panoramic (横長色紙, Yokonaga-shikishi)

   • Dimensions: 24.2 x 48.5 cm (approximately 9.5 x 19 inches)

   • A wide format ideal for landscapes or horizontal compositions.

     
     

4. Square Jumbo (特大正方形色紙, Tokudai Seihōkei Shikishi)

   • Dimensions: 42.4 x 42.4 cm (approximately 16.7 x 16.7 inches)

   • A large square format for bold or intricate pieces.

     
     

Custom Sizes:

• In addition to these, some manufacturers or art suppliers offer custom-sized shikishi for specific needs, which can exceed the above dimensions.

  
  

We hope this guide about shikishi dimensions has provided valuable insights into the sizes, Japanese names, and uses of traditional shikishi boards ; and do not hesitate to share your thoughts about using new mediums on shikishi.

Mini Shikishi – 20 Boards – Torinoko Paper – For Ink, Paint, and Mixed Media

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