Selected Papers Used in Japanese Shikishi Art Boards
The shikishi (色紙) is is composed of three layers of paper:
-
A central core, made of a thick paper layer, provides rigidity and stability while remaining lightweight.
-
The front side is covered with a sheet of high-quality washi, carefully laminated to create a surface suitable for ink, pigments, and mixed techniques.
-
The back side is finished with a colored or patterned paper, adding a decorative touch and visual balance to the whole.
Selected Papers
Shikishi boards can be prepared with many different kinds of washi papers mounted on their surface, and the quality of these papers varies depending on the materials and mounting techniques used. On this page, we present two papers selected in collaboration with a paper mounter in Mino, Japan, for their quality and suitability for artistic practice : Torinoko dōsa and Gasen dōsa.
Shikishi boards prepared with these papers are available through Art San Gallery. Artists interested in working with them are welcome to contact the gallery.
Gasen dōsa Paper
Gasen paper has a slightly textured surface, treated with a traditional sizing agent (dōsa) that reduces absorption and prevents bleeding. This treatment allows inks and pigments to remain sharp and visible on the surface.
Gasen is particularly suited for ink, gouache, acrylic, oil pastel, and mixed media, especially when precision and color layering are desired.
Torinoko dōsa Paper
Torinoko paper is distinguished by its soft ivory tone and smooth, slightly satin surface. Also treated with dōsa, it has very low absorption, allowing media to remain luminous and stable on the surface.
It is recommended for fine lines, washes, watercolor, acrylic, gouache, oil pastel, pencil, and mixed media.
Smoother than Gasen, it offers a tighter texture, ideal for compositions requiring finesse and layered effects.
