This absorbent washi paper is a traditional choice for sumi-e painting, printmaking, and sketching with sumi ink or dry media. Sumi-e typically involves paper that “blurs” ink lines, pulling the ink into the paper and creating soft transitions and feathered marks. It’s lovely with an ink brush or even a pen but be aware that you will not get sharp ink marks on this paper. It’s meant to absorb and spread.

Each pad contains 48 sheets of 9″ x 12″ washi paper, with texture on the back and a smooth surface on the front. Counterintuitively, the smooth side is a little more absorbent than the textured side. Bright white and acid-free, weighing in at 70 gsm (midweight), Yasutomo Washi Sketch feels substantial but not bulky.

Try using this paper for printmaking, including gel printing where it’s really become an artist favorite. The absorbent surface allows the paper to grab ink easily, even with alternative processes and materials.