This Summer, Take Art Outdoors: Clairefontaine Launches New Sketching Art Supplies on June 18

Quo Vadis Japan Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Setagaya-ku, Tokyo) announces the launch of new fine art (art supply) products from Clairefontaine, a brand beloved by creatives worldwide. Aligned with contemporary art trends, this new lineup enhances creative expression for modern artists.

In recent years, "urban sketching" at cafes and travel destinations, along with "calligraphy" and "hand lettering" derived from ink culture, have surged in popularity both in Japan and abroad. Additionally, more users are prioritizing the visual appeal and unique shapes of art supplies for social media sharing. Responding to these needs, Clairefontaine delivers a comprehensive collection that expands creative possibilities.

New Additions to the Popular Aqua Pad Watercolor Series: Hardcover Book & Round Paper

The Aqua Pad series, renowned for its thick, high-quality paper ideal for both text and illustrations, welcomes two new formats.

Aqua Pad Hardcover Book

Featuring a durable PU leather cover, this premium book-style pad is perfect for outdoor sketching and travel. Available in four sizes, the landscape-oriented version (14×21cm) is especially recommended for wide scenes and panoramic drawings.

A6: ¥3,300 / 14×14cm: ¥3,740 / 21×14cm: ¥4,290 / 14×21cm: ¥4,290 ※24 sheets, sewn binding

Includes elastic closure band. Paper: Off-white, medium texture, 300g/m²

Aqua Pad Round Paper ※Scheduled for July Release※

Trendy pre-cut circular paper eliminates the need for trimming. Slightly larger than standard sizes at 15cm in diameter, it offers excellent drawing space while maintaining a charming aesthetic.

Aqua Pad Round Paper: Off-white, medium texture, 300g/m²

Diameter 15cm: ¥2,640 ※20 sheets

"Lettering" Pads Featuring Velum Paper – The Paper That Loves Ink

Velum paper, celebrated for its use in Quo Vadis notebooks and Rhodia memo pads, now appears in a dedicated pad for calligraphy and hand lettering. Its exceptionally smooth surface allows pens to glide effortlessly, minimizing ink bleed and enhancing rich, deep color expression.

Lettering Paper: Extra white, 190g/m²

A5: ¥1,045 / A4: ¥1,650 ※Pad format, 20 sheets

New Assortments and Colors Added to Popular Existing Series!

Paint On Mix6

"Paint On" is a multimedia paper compatible with various art media. This new assorted pad allows users to try all six colored papers from the Paint On series in one convenient notebook.

Paint On Mix6 Paper: Natural, Grey Green, Denim Blue, Terracotta, Grey, Black – 250g/m²

A5: ¥1,870 / A4: ¥3,410 ※Pad format, 24 sheets (6 colors × 4 sheets)

Pastel Matt

Two new solid-color pads are added to the globally popular Pastel Matt, a paper specifically designed for pastel artwork. Its velvety surface strongly adheres pastel pigments, eliminating the need for fixatives.

Brown (No.8) Paper: Brown, 360g/m²

Dark Grey (No.9) Paper: Dark Grey, 360g/m²

18×24cm: ¥5,500 / 24×30cm: ¥7,700 / 30×40cm: ¥12,650 ※Pad format, 12 sheets

About Clairefontaine

Founded over 160 years ago, Clairefontaine is a French heritage stationery brand that manages every step from papermaking to product development in-house at its own factories. In France, it is synonymous with "beautiful notebooks" and cherished across generations.

The fine art papers in Clairefontaine’s collection are manufactured at the Dutch "SCHUT (Schut) Factory," established in 1618. Their advanced techniques and expertise are seamlessly integrated into modern sustainable paper production, including environmental conservation and solar energy utilization.

Official Instagram: @clairefontaine_japan