GRAPH’IT launches a range of Shikishi to let artists discover this drawing surface that is still  little known in Europe.

 

What is a “Shikishi”?

 

Issued from the Japanese traditional culture, the SHIKISHI are drawing surfaces made of hard paperboard and covered by a white layer used for artistic drawing or calligraphy. It is thicker than a regular paper and decorated with gold borders to give a delicate and  stylish look to your creations. In Japan, it is also used for Mangaka’s autographs. Shikishi are perfect for offering, exposing or collecting.

 

The classic Shikishi is an excellent support for alcohol markers. Thanks to the thickness of the paper, the ink doesn’t bleed and doesn’t pass through the sheet. This surface is similar to a layout paper so it works perfectly for colour mixing, shading and gradations. The Shikishi are also compatible with pigmented fineliners and Indian ink. But GRAPH’IT has also created a range of Shikishi specially dedicated to watercolor techniques.

 

The GRAPH’IT Shikishi exists in different formats and ranges: one for drawing with alcohol markers and one for painting with watercolors.

 

The 4 formats available in paper for alcohol markers:

 

  • 272×242 mm portrait: you can draw only on one side. It is the most common and standard Shikishi.
  • 272×484 mm portrait double-sided: you can draw on both sides and fold it in half. Thus, you will have 4 surfaces to draw on (2 on one side, 2 on the other). Once folded, it will stand alone on a table. You can also use it as a guestbook for your events!

 

  • 135×240 mm landscape: you can draw only on one side. More elongated than the classic one, this Shikishi is ideal for horizontal landscapes or vertical Japanese calligraphy

 

  • 135×120 mm portrait: you can draw only on one side. It is similar to the classic Shikishi but in a smaller format. Also very popular.

 

The 2 formats available in watercolor paper :

 

  • 272x242mm portrait: you can draw only on one side. This is the classic format for large Shikishi.

 

  • 135x120mm portrait: you can draw only on one side. This is the classic format for small Shikishi.

Give them a try! Now it’s your turn to draw!