Pouch of 20 sheets for calligraphy A4 format - Red - Quality A+

Fine Arts - Rice Paper for Asian Calligraphy:

— Pouch of 20 sheets of A4 size rice paper for calligraphy, This is a traditional handcrafted Xuan paper which is an 'uncoated' paper made from the bark of sandalwood. This paper has a very high absorption rate.
— To facilitate the use of the calligraphy paper, we have had it cut to A4 format.
— Our paper is selected by our master calligrapher who makes 100% of our brushes.
— Ink drying time on this type of paper: between 5 and 10 minutes.
— Made from sheets of rice paper, flexible and absorbent. Ideal to start calligraphy or to practice.

Xuan traditional paper:

Traditional Xuan paper, also known as rice paper or Xuanzhi paper, is a valuable material that has been used for centuries in Chinese calligraphy. The manufacture of this paper is a meticulous and artisanal process that requires specific know-how.

The manufacture of Xuan paper begins with the selection of raw materials. Fibers from bamboo, rice straw and mulberry bark are collected and prepared. These materials are then boiled in water to remove impurities and obtain high quality fibers.

After the fibers are prepared, they are mixed with water in a large container. A wooden mold called "su" is used to form the sheets of paper. The mold is dipped into the fiber pulp and gently lifted to allow the water to flow through the small holes in the mould. This creates a thin layer of fibers on the mold, thus forming the sheet of paper.

The mold is then gently shaken to evenly distribute the fibers and obtain an even thickness. Then the mold is removed from the water and placed on a smooth surface so that the water runs off and the sheet of paper can partially dry.

Once partially dried, the sheets of paper are carefully removed from the mold. They are then pressed between layers of felt to remove excess water and obtain a smooth surface. The sheets are then stacked and placed under heavy weights to press them further and promote complete drying.

After complete drying, Xuan paper sheets are smooth, light and translucent, with delicate texture. They are ready to be used for Chinese calligraphy. Xuan paper provides an ideal surface for ink brushes, allowing calligraphers to express their art with precision and fluidity.

The making of Xuan paper is a precious heritage of Chinese craftsmanship. It requires time, patience and a mastery of traditional techniques. Thanks to its excellent quality and durability, Xuan paper remains highly valued by calligraphers and artists around the world, continuing a thousand-year-old tradition of the art of Chinese writing.

Chinese culture:

— The Chinese practice calligraphy using a brush on rice paper, there are also some Chinese calligraphies on silk, but silk is a very fragile element. Calligraphy has been practiced in China for more than 3000 years, the invention of this art is attributed to Cang Jie.

— In order to make a beautiful calligraphy, a Chinese person needs four elements: a brush, paper, an ink stone and ink stick. This art requires good gesture skills and good calligraphers are considered cultured people in China.

— To transform stick ink into liquid ink you have to rub the stick on an inkstone and add water (difficult step, because you have to find a good balance between water and powdered ink).

— There are six styles of Chinese calligraphy: Jia Gu Wen (the oldest), Zhuanshu (or seal script), Lishu (the official Chinese script), Kaishu (regular style), Xingshu (cursive script) and Caoshu (characters related between them). Chinese calligraphy therefore has different styles and variations.