Xuan Paper

Summary This article describes the contemporary production of a Chinese handmade paper called ‘Xuan’ used by artists and calligraphers. The preparation of pulp and the production of the paper, as seen in a papermaking factory in Zhejiang Province on the East Coast of China, is reported. Analysis suggests the predominant fibre to be a Chinese bast fibre from the than tree (Pteroceltis tatarinowii maxim). The combination of the long, strong, bast fibre, mixed with short rice straw fibre, produces a white silky paper comparable in strength to some Japanese handmade papers. The author illustrates the practical uses for Xuan paper and describes the deep appreciation for the paper found in the paper conservation studio of Laioning Museum in the Northern province of Shenyang.