How to make rice paper?

The Production Process of Xuan Paper

The production process of xuan paper can be divided into the following steps:

Material Selection

The main raw materials for xuan paper are: mulberry bark, tallow tree bark, paper mulberry bark, hemp, and other fibers. Mulberry bark is the best raw material for xuan paper, with delicate texture, white color, and long-lasting durability.

Beating

The raw materials are beaten into pulp. The beating process requires multiple steps to make the pulp evenly fine.

Papermaking

The pulp is poured onto a paper screen and beaten with bamboo strips to evenly distribute the pulp on the paper screen.

Drying

The paper is removed from the papermaking process and placed in a drying room to dry. The drying process requires multiple steps to make the paper dry and strong.

Air-drying

The dried paper is removed and air-dried in a well-ventilated place. The air-drying process requires multiple steps to make the paper white.

Inspection

The air-dried paper is removed for inspection and unqualified paper is removed.

The production process of xuan paper is very complex and requires multiple steps to produce high-quality xuan paper. The quality of xuan paper depends on the raw materials, process, and the skills of the maker. High-quality xuan paper has good absorbency, penetration, strength, and toughness, which can fully bring out the charm of calligraphy and painting art.

Key Steps in the Production of Xuan Paper

Material Selection

Material selection is the first and most important step in the production of xuan paper. The raw materials directly affect the quality of xuan paper. Mulberry bark is the best raw material for xuan paper, with delicate texture, white color, and long-lasting durability.

Beating

Beating is the process of making the raw materials into pulp. The beating process requires multiple steps to make the pulp evenly fine. The quality of beating directly affects the uniformity and strength of xuan paper.

Papermaking

Papermaking is the process of making paper from pulp. The papermaking process requires multiple steps to make the paper evenly flat. The quality of papermaking directly affects the smoothness and strength of xuan paper.

Drying

Drying is the process of drying and strengthening the paper. The drying process requires multiple steps to make the paper dry evenly. The quality of drying directly affects the strength and durability of xuan paper.

Air-drying

Air-drying is the process of making the paper white. The air-drying process requires multiple steps to make the paper evenly white. The quality of air-drying directly affects the color and aesthetics of xuan paper.

Inspection

Inspection is the process of inspecting the air-dried paper and removing unqualified paper. The quality of inspection directly affects the overall quality of xuan paper.