Rice Paper (types)

 

1. Washi

• Description: This traditional Japanese paper is made using fibers from the inner bark of the gampi (genus Wikstroemia), the mitsumata (Edgeworthia chrysantha), or the kozo plants (Broussonetia papyrifera). The kozo plant, also known as the paper mulberry, is predominantly used in washi production.

2. Hanji

• Description: Known as traditional Korean paper, Hanji is crafted using the same inner bark of the paper mulberry tree, referred to as 'dak' in Korean. It's a staple in Korean art and crafts.

3. Sangpi

• Description: Originating from the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 9 AD), this traditional Chinese paper is also made from the paper mulberry tree's inner bark. With its long history, Sangpi is the ancestor of Washi, Hanji, and Xuan paper (a fine traditional Chinese paper for calligraphy and painting).

Rice Paper

• Description: This term generally refers to various papers from Asian countries, regardless of the specific pulp and fiber used. Ironically, most "rice papers" are made from the paper mulberry tree, not rice plants.

Mulberry Paper and Kozo Paper

• Description: These terms straightforwardly refer to papers made from the inner bark of the paper mulberry tree. They differ slightly from Washi, Hanji, and Sangpi, as they are not necessarily made using traditional methods. That’s why we named our company "Kozo Studio"—some of our papers are made using time-honored methods, while others are innovatively crafted using unique techniques.

• Additional Notes: These papers are similar, 90% of the time using the very same paper mulberry tree fiber. The production methods for most mulberry papers are also largely identical. In fact, when our papers are sold in Japan, they are labeled as Washi, while in Korea, they're called Hanji. Our Western clients know them as Mulberry Paper or Rice Paper, and here in Thailand, we call them Saa Paper.

Basic Sumi-e Painting Techniques

1. TarashiKomi

• Description: Tack the paper down so it doesn't curl. Wet the paper. Drop or brush the paper with a loaded brush and then use a dry brush or blow on it (similar to watercolor).

2. Chokujitsu

• Description: Hold your forearm perpendicular to the paper. Hold the brush straight up and move the brush straight across the paper.

3. Sokuhitzu

• Description: Hold your forearm perpendicular to the paper. Hold the brush at an angle (brush tip away from you) and move the brush sideways.

4. Warifude

• Description: Dip the brush in the ink and then dab it on a paper towel to make the brush slightly dry. Roll the brush on a plate so the bristles splay a little. Hold the brush straight up, then brush the paper. (Used to create grass.) To create a tree trunk, move the brush sideways across the paper.

5. Sakigami

• Description: Dip the brush in the ink, then gently wipe the tip of the brush on the paper to remove any excess ink. Dip the tip in ink again, and roll the brush on a plate to blend the lighter ink (from the previous wipe) and heavier ink. Then, dip the tip again in the ink and brush the paper using the side of the brush in an upward vertical motion (used to create bamboo stalks). Dipping the tip allows the belly of the brush to contain lighter ink (used for flower petals).

6. Moto Guma

• Description: Load the brush with darker ink, then dip the tip of the brush in clean water (making the tip of the brush lighter than the belly of the brush). Apply the ink on the paper using the side of the brush. For example, to paint flower petals, the inside of the petal is darker than the outside.