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Civilization Object No. 053
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Xuan Paper Making

宣纸制作技艺

The world's finest calligraphy paper, made by hand through 108 steps over three years — "paper that lasts a thousand years."

dna Heritage DNA
history Origin

Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE)

category Domain

traditional crafts

verified Level

UNESCO Intangible Heritage

pin_drop Region

East China

pulse Status

active

Xuan paper, produced in Jing County, Anhui Province, is considered the finest paper for Chinese calligraphy and painting. Made from the bark of the blue sandalwood tree (Pteroceltis tatarinowii) mixed with rice straw, it undergoes 108 steps over three years. The paper is prized for its absorbency, durability ("paper that lasts a thousand years"), and ability to show the subtle gradations of ink wash.

build

Skills & Techniques

Xuan Paper Making expand_more

The complex craft of producing xuan paper from blue sandalwood bark and rice straw through a 108-step process taking over three years.

Steps

  1. Strip bark from the blue sandalwood tree and sun-dry
  2. Soak and steam the bark to soften fibers
  3. Beat the bark into a fibrous pulp with lime
  4. Mix with rice straw pulp in precise proportions
  5. Scoop the pulp onto a bamboo screen to form sheets
  6. Press and dry sheets on heated walls
  7. Inspect, trim, and bundle finished paper

Tools

bamboo screen mold, pulp vat, pressing stone, heated drying wall, knife, bamboo pole

Materials

blue sandalwood bark (Pteroceltis tatarinowii), rice straw, lime, water

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Relationship Constellation

This heritage item connects to 9 entities across the atlas — masters, places, festivals, and stories.

pin_drop Anhui Province location build Xuan Paper Making skill person Chinese Calligraphy ich person Tang Dynasty dynasty person Xuan Paper Making media person Jiangnan region person Xuan Paper Making media person Engraved Block Printing ich person Xuan Paper Making media
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