Xuan paper, a traditional Chinese art material used for calligraphy and painting, is crafted from the bark of the sandalwood tree and a small amount of straw pulp. There are two main types: raw rice paper and cooked rice paper. Raw rice paper is ideal for freehand brushwork due to its high absorbency, while cooked rice paper, which has been processed with water, offers better control and is perfect for detailed and intricate paintings. It resists ink penetration, allowing for multiple layers of color and fine detailing.
Originating from Xuancheng in Anhui Province, Xuan paper is renowned for its soft yet strong texture, white color, and beautiful finish. It does not slip easily under the brush and remains flexible over time, making it resistant to insect damage. Historically, many Chinese paintings were created on silk (jue), but after the Yuan Dynasty, rice paper became more popular. Today, modern artists primarily use Xuan paper for its superior quality and artistic expression.
Xuan paper can be divided into two categories: "Shengxuan" (raw) and "Xuanyuan" (cooked). Shengxuan absorbs ink quickly and allows for rich variations in tone and texture, making it ideal for expressive brushwork like splashing ink or accumulating layers. This type is often used in freehand landscapes. On the other hand, Xuanyuan is more controlled, less absorbent, and suitable for detailed and colorful paintings, especially those with gold and color accents, such as Jinbi Huiying (a style of gilded and colored landscape painting).
For beginners, half-cooked (or semi-cooked) rice paper is often preferred because it strikes a balance between control and flexibility. It allows for subtle ink transitions without being too difficult to manage. To prepare this type of paper at home, you can mix a little alum with cold water and brush it evenly onto the raw paper. After brushing, place old newspaper underneath and let it dry. Before applying paint, test the paper by tasting it—there should be a slight astringency. If it feels too wet, it may become fragile when wet.
While Xuan paper is highly regarded, it can be expensive. In some regions, alternatives like Kelly paper from Northeast China, Jiajiang paper from Sichuan, Liuji paper from Jiangxi, and sandwich paper from Shaanxi, Sichuan, and Guizhou are used as cost-effective substitutes. These papers are more affordable and closely resemble half-cooked Xuan paper in performance.
coffee table,High Quality coffee table,coffee table Details, CN
Queen Furniture Co., Ltd. , https://www.queenfurnitures.com