Sizes of Calligraphy Paper

When you think of calligraphy paper, what comes to mind? In fact, there are numerous types and names for calligraphy paper sizes. They are already pre-cut to standard dimensions, so you can choose a paper size that suits your purpose. While the variety might seem confusing, it’s not difficult to select one based on your goals and intended use. We will now provide a clear introduction to calligraphy paper sizes.

The basic size of calligraphy paper is “Yonshaku Gasen.”

The most fundamental size in calligraphy paper is “Yonshaku Gasen” (四尺画仙), which has dimensions of approximately 69 × 136 cm. It is also known by other names such as “Zenshi” (全紙), “Shōgasen” (小画仙), and “Yonshaku Mono” (四尺物). Using “Yonshaku Gasen” as the base, it is often cut vertically in half to create the “Hansetsu” (半切) or “Jōfuku” (条幅) size. For works submitted to open exhibitions and contests, there are designated sizes according to each event’s rules. Please be aware that the specified size for these exhibitions refers to the dimensions when framed, so keep this in mind.

At Shoyu Online, you can choose from various special-sized paper options.

Representative Paper Sizes

I have summarized the representative paper sizes and their names in a table from largest to smallest. Please refer to the diagram below for reference.

Common Paper Sizes and Names

“Yonshaku Gasen” (四尺画仙)

Dimensions: Approximately 69 × 136 cm. It is also known by other names such as “Zenshi” (全紙), “Shōgasen” (小画仙), and “Yonshaku Mono” (四尺物).

“Hansetsu” (半切)

Dimensions: 34.5 × 136 cm. Hansetsu is created by vertically cutting “Yonshaku Gasen” (Zenshi) in half. Traditionally, it has been the most commonly used size.

“Renochi” (聯落ち)

Dimensions: 53 × 136 cm. It is a size obtained by cutting “Zenshi” into 3/4 of its original width. For a paper size of 53 × 228 cm, often used in open exhibitions and sometimes referred to as “Renochi,” it’s important to note that the term “Renochi” has come to refer more to the “width of the paper” due to decreased use of the traditional “true Renochi.” In this context, “Renochi” is roughly equivalent to “53 cm width,” and it’s essential to confirm the length.

“Shaku happei” (尺八屏)

This is a Chinese standard size with dimensions of approximately 53 × 234 cm. The Japanese standard size is approximately 53 × 228 cm. There is a difference of about 6 cm in length between the two standards, but both are widely used for open exhibitions.

“Ni-Hachi” (２×８)

“Ni-Hachi” typically refers to the frame size used in open exhibitions, which is 2 shaku × 8 shaku, approximately 61 × 242 cm. It’s important to note that the size of open exhibitions refers to the dimensions when framed. If you intend to display your work with a mat showing and use the “Ni-Hachi” frame size, choose a slightly smaller 53 × 228 cm (1.75 shaku × 7.5 shaku) paper. If you plan to fill the frame entirely with your artwork without showing the mat, select a 60 × 240 cm paper.

“Ni-Roku” (２×６)

“Ni-Roku” refers to the frame size used in open exhibitions, which is 2 shaku × 6 shaku, approximately 60 × 180 cm. Similar to “Ni-Hachi,” “Ni-Roku” refers to the frame size for open exhibitions. If you intend to display your work with a mat showing and use the “Ni-Roku” frame size, choose a slightly smaller 53 × 170 cm (1.75 shaku × 5.5 shaku) paper. If you plan to fill the frame entirely with your artwork without showing the mat, select a 60 × 180 cm paper.

You can purchase paper available at Shogu Online here>>