Information on materials used in Japanese painting, and on related art supplies

 

Production methods, representative samples of Japanese art. Japanese art techniques were 

transmitted to Japan from China in the distant past The paintings are abundant in color Glues are the medium. This is one type of tempera painting. 

 

The basic procedure for making Japanese artworks using these materials is outlined below. In 

general, the following materials are required.

Producing the underlying image / transferring the image to the main sheet / applying the 

undercoating /finishing

Mix with glue<Iwaenogu>:

 

Iwaenogu>：Prior to the introduction of iwaenogu, the materials used were made from natural ores. 

 

Powder pigments and other glass powders are used today. Dyed calcite materials are often used. 

There are a number of different grades of powder, which vary in coarseness, from that of very fine 

sand to clay. Iwaenogu materials are sold commercially in Japan. The finest of these is known as 

byaku. There are many other types -- almost too many to count. The powders are mixed with glue 

before use. These materials are also called "gansai rock-paint natural pigments.

 

Mix the pigments with Glue: Iwaenogu materials come in a wide range of particle sizes. The finest 

have particles that are 3 microns or smaller in size. Coarser materials have particle sizes as large as 200 microns. There are a great number of particle grades in between. Small iwaenogu pigment 

particle (27 cubic microns). Large particle (8,000,000 cubic microns). The difference in particle 

sizes is on a scale of some 300,000 times. The amount of glue needed to mix the pigments must be adjusted depending on the coarseness of the pigment being used.If the appropriate amount of glue is used, the pigment should not come off when dry. First, mix the pigment thoroughly with liquid glue; depending on the type of pigment, the amount of glue to add varies from 1.5 times to 20% the amount of the pigment. Next, water is added to make painting easier. After adding water, additional glue can be added as necessary. Very fine pigments, with a particle size of just 3 microns (byaku) are often prone to clotting, so they should be mixed very thoroughly, as is the case with doroenogu pigments. Use the middle finger to mix the pigment. Put the pigment and the glue in the dish. Mix with the middle finger. Pigment is ready for use.

 

 

Generally, Japanese paper (washi) silk, wood or some other material is used as a substrate. Washi is most often used. It is necessary to prepare the paper before use, by sizing and glazing, in order to prevent the ink from bleeding. Since washi is very thin, it is generally mounted before being used. Glue is used to affix the pigment to the sized and glazed paper

 

 

Preparing the basic materials. Glazing the paper (sizing) Mix 10g of glue with 300cc of water The 

15% glue solution can be diluted to 3% for use. Heat the mixture and add alum. Add a very small 

amount of alum (about 1 g). The glue serves to set stop the ink. The alum helps to bind it to the 

fibers of the cloth. Dissolve the mixture thoroughly. This is referred to as a glaze. Apply the mixture to the paper with a brush. Dry the paper .The paper is now ready for use. The glaze is mildly acidic. Therefore, it is best to use tools made of enamel. Addendum: When using extremely thin -- nearly transparent -- paper, it is useful to stick several sheets together with paste to make it stronger. The type of paste used is called shoufu. It is best to use stronger paper. Watercolor paper and other papers which hold ink well can be used as is.

 

 

Glue (nikawa): Nikawa glue is an adhesive used to bind powder pigments to the paper. This glue is made from a type of gelatin To get the pigments ready for use, prepare a small amount of nikawa glue in and pigment. Use glue made from a base of (edible) gelatin or natural glues*. Add the pigment powder to the base. Next, dilute the glue with water. Natural glues are made from the skin of animals.

 

In general, the glue should be diluted to about 15% of its original consistency For example, add 

170cc of cold water to 30g of glue. Allow the mixture to set for about 6 hours. Heat the mixture, but do not allow it to boil. If any dust or dirt collects on the surface of the liquid, dab it away with a 

cloth. The mixture is now ready.