Xuan paper



Xuan paper was first mentioned in ancient Chinese books Notes of Past Famous Paintings and New Book of Tang . It was originally produced in Tang Dynasty in Jing County , which was under the jurisdiction of Xuan Prefecture(Xuanzhou), hence the name Xuan paper. During the Tang dynasty, the paper was often a mixture of hemp (the first fiber used for paper in China) and mulberry fiber. [1] By the Song dynasty , the paper producing industries in Huizhou and Chizhou were relocated to Jing County.


Due to different production methods, Xuan paper can be classified into Shengxuan , Shuxuan , and Banshuxuan . Shengxuan (literally “Raw Xuan”), which is not specially processed, excels in its ability to absorb water, the ink on it to blur. Shuxuan (literally “Ripe Xuan”), however, has Potassium alum worked in it during production, which results in a stiffer texture, reduced ability to absorb water, and less resistance to shear stress. ). This feature makes Shuxuan more suitable for Gongbi rather than Xieyi. Banshuxuan (literally “Half-ripe Xuan”) has intermediate absorbability, between Shengxuan and Shuxuan.


Xuan paper features great tensile strength, smooth surface, clean and clean texture and clean stroke, great resistance to crease, corrosion, moth and mold. The majority of ancient Chinese books and paintings by famous painters that survived until today are well preserved on Xuan paper. Xuan paper won the Golden Award at the International Panama Exhibition in 1915. Xuan paper was used to make scrolls.

Material and production

The material Xuan paper is closely related to the geography of Jing County. The bark of Pteroceltis tatarinowii , a common species of elm in the area, was used to produce Xuan paper. Rice , along with several other materials, was subsequently added to the Song recipe and Yuan Dynasties. Bamboo and mulberry also began to produce xuan paper around that time.

The production of Xuan paper can be described as an 18-step process, and a detailed account would be involved over a hundred. Some paper makers have invented steps which have been kept secret from others. The process includes steaming and bleaching the bark of Pteroceltis tatarinowii , as well as the addition of a variety of juices.

See also

  • Rice paper


  1. Jump up^ Fei Wen Tsai; Dianne van der Reyden, Technology, treatment, and care of a Chinese wood block print (PDF) , Smithsonian Institution, p. 4originally appeared as “Analysis of modern Chinese paper and woodblock print” inThe Paper Conservator, 1997, pp. 48-62