Classification

Fibre Content

Production Method

Cooking Agent

A Grade:

Exceptional papers; the best available. 

Made by master craftspeople with traditional, domestically grown Japanese fibres.

100% traditional domestically grown Japanese fibre (kozo, gampi, mitsumata)

Natural tororo-aoi used as formation aid.

Handmade (HM) or machine-made (MM)

Undyed or dyed using natural plants or minerals.

soda ash or lime

B Grade:

Good papers; fibres imported from outside Japan.  Often a mix of traditional fibres and sulphite (wood pulp) or other synthetic materials.

50% to 100% traditional imported fibres

Handmade (HM) or machine-made (MM)

Undyed or dyed with synthetic materials

caustic soda

C Grade:

Often referred to as “Student Grade” papers.  Still reliable performers, economical.

20% to 50% traditional imported fibres

Handmade (HM) or machine-made (MM)

caustic soda; may use bleach

D Grade:

Cheapest papers available.  Suitable for proofing, working out ideas.  Not recommended for professional work.

Less than 20% traditional imported fibres

Handmade (HM) or machine-made (MM)

caustic soda and/or bleach