Mastering AgyoPosu: The Art and Science of Preparing Hanji
Chapter 1: “The Foundation of Paper Sizing: Exploring AgyoPosu in Korean Art” Throughout history, paper has been one of the most popular surfaces for painting in both Eastern and Western art. In particular, East Asian art frequently utilizes paper for its unique absorbency, which lends a soft, fluid quality to ink and pigments. Among the many ways to treat and prepare paper, AgyoPosu, or animal glue sizing, stands out as the most effective technique to control paper’s absorbent properties. In this series, we’ll explore AgyoPosu’s role in traditional Korean painting, focusing first on understanding why and how we treat paper to adjust its absorbency. In Korea, hanji—a paper made from the fibers of the mulberry tree—has long been favored for painting and calligraphy. In the West, paper made from wood pulp is more common. Both types of paper are organic and naturally absorbent, as they’re made from plant fibers that attract water. While this absorbency can sometimes pose challenges,...