Calligraphy paper typically comes in two forms: precut flat sheets, or rolls. Both rolls and flat sheets come in different sizes. Standard-sized calligraphy practice paper (hanshi) is about 24 x 34 cm.
Japanese calligraphy paper is typically thin, fine-grained, and absorbent. It has two distinct surfaces: a smooth side and a rough one. Characters written on the smooth side will not bleed, even when the brush is heavily loaded with ink, so this is the surface usually used for writing.
Calligraphy is also done on colored or decorated papers, handmade papers, or items made with paper, such as fans, postcards, lanterns and the like.
