Ancient Chinese Paper Making: From Cai Lun to Xuan Paper

Ancient Chinese paper making is one of the most consequential inventions in human history. While paper was originally developed for administrative convenience, it quickly became the medium for one of the world's greatest literary and artistic traditions — Chinese calligraphy and painting.

The Invention of Paper

Paper is traditionally attributed to Cai Lun (蔡伦), who in 105 CE presented the Emperor with paper made from mulberry bark, hemp, and rags. Archaeological discoveries have pushed the date of paper making in China back to the 2nd century BCE, before Cai Lun's formalization.

Xuan Paper

Xuan paper (宣纸), produced in Anhui Province since the Tang Dynasty, is considered the finest paper for calligraphy. Made from the bark of the tianzhong tree, it has a unique ability to absorb ink in subtle gradations, giving calligraphy its characteristic quality of movement and life.