noun
dōsa; alum and glue sizing for washi
A traditional sizing solution made from alum and glue, applied to Japanese paper (washi) to prevent ink bleeding. Used in calligraphy, painting, and conservation.
See also: 和紙
和紙にどうさを引いてから墨で書く。
After applying dōsa to the washi, I write with ink.
日本画では、にじみを防ぐためにどうさを使う。
In Japanese painting, dōsa is used to prevent bleeding.
Rare kanji form; 礬 means alum, 水 means water.
Rare kanji form; 砂 means sand.
Rare kanji form; 陶 means pottery.
The word dōsa is of uncertain origin. It may derive from the components 陶 (dō, 'pottery') and 砂 (sa, 'sand'), but this is speculative. The kanji 礬水 literally means 'alum water', reflecting the ingredients.