The papers used in art branches such as calligraphy, illumination and marbling are different from the ordinary papers we use every day. Special papers are needed in these art branches due to their properties such as their ability to absorb paint, not spreading the ink, drying easily, etc. Special papers such as papyrus paper, sized paper, unsized paper, Nepal paper, Japanese paper, handmade paper are among the most preferred paper types for these art branches. Handmade papers were among the most used art materials in the periods before the development of technology. These papers are used to create unique works especially in art branches such as calligraphy, calligraphy, illumination and marbling. Although many different and high-quality synthetic art papers have been produced in parallel with the developments in technology in recent years, the use of handmade paper still continues. As such, many questions arise such as how handmade paper is made and where to buy handmade paper. In this article, we will try to answer many questions such as the history of paper and the characteristics of handmade papers.
History of Paper
Paper was discovered by Cai Lun in the 2nd century BC and has been one of the biggest factors in the development and expansion of cultures from past times to the present. In 4000 BC, a type of paper was produced by cutting the stem of the papyrus plant grown in Egypt to appropriate sizes, placing it on a board and beating it with water. It was a different paper from the paper we use today in terms of its production technique and features and was called papyrus paper.
In addition to papyrus paper, parchment paper made from various animal skins has also been used frequently throughout history. Parchment is a long-lasting paper that is widely used even today, extremely suitable for writing and painting.
Paper has played a very big role in the spread and development of cultures. Due to the ease of writing, carrying and storing, information from one end of the world could spread to other parts of the world in a short time. With this feature, the foundations of today’s civilization were laid.
How is Paper Produced?
The bark of trees cut down to obtain paper is peeled. After this process, the trees that are cut into pieces and turned into logs are cut into smaller pieces. Then, water is added to these pieces to make them pulp. After this process, they are put into the mixer and turned into pulp with the help of water.
Cellulose, which is the most important substance in the formation of paper, is added to the pulp at this stage. Cellulose, which dissolves in water, becomes pulp while the white color is obtained with the addition of ink. Thus, paper production from cellulose is realized. This pulp is put into the mixer for a short time so that it can take the shape of paper. Then, pressure and vacuum are applied to this mixture and the water ratio is reduced. The pulp, which is crushed with hot rollers and purified from water, is now ready for new processes where it will be transformed into different paper products.
What is Handmade Paper?
Before the development of technology, handmade papers were used almost exclusively in the field of art. These papers were used especially to produce works in calligraphy and marbling. Although very high-quality synthetic papers have been produced in parallel with the development of technology in recent years, art lovers who want to produce permanent works still prefer handmade papers. The meticulous and delicate structure of handmade papers is the most important reason why they attract attention in every period. Handmade papers produced from completely natural materials are environmentally friendly in this way and do not have a toxic structure that is harmful to the environment.
The Importance of Handmade Paper
Acidic substances and hard water used in paper production have a shortening effect on the life of the paper. The quality of the paper used especially in calligraphy and marbling arts directly affects the quality of the work being worked on. For this reason, people who are engaged in these arts prefer traditional handmade papers that have a low acid content and last for many years.
Two methods are used in paper production: traditional and modern. In general, in both methods, paper production begins with the cutting of peeled tree trunks into small pieces and adding water to them. The cellulose added afterwards prepares the basis for paper formation. With the development of technology, many chemicals have begun to be used in paper production in order to meet the increasing need for paper and to be able to produce quickly. However, as a result of this method, the paper becomes more acidic, which negatively affects the quality of the paper.
As we mentioned above, the quality and acid level of the paper used in traditional arts such as marbling and calligraphy greatly affects the work done. In traditional handicrafts such as drawing, writing and painting on paper, the type and quality of the paper greatly affects both the appearance and permanence of the work. In many branches of art such as marbling and calligraphy, the quality of the paper is generally
It is expressed by the acidity rate. The high acid levels of industrially produced synthetic papers reduce the quality of the paper and also affect the permanence of the work made.
Thanks to the production of handmade paper with traditional methods, these harmful effects are minimized and the works maintain their permanence for many years. It is known that the papers used in the production of almost all important works from very old times to the present day are traditional handmade papers.
Areas of Use and Features of Handmade Papers?
In addition to being produced using natural materials and being acid-free, these papers also have high ink holding capacities. Made from fibers taken from many different trees such as bamboo, pine, spruce, sycamore and cedar, these papers are produced from cellulose raw material. For this reason, they are often preferred in ornament-based arts.
Handmade papers are more expensive than other synthetic papers on the market. However, artists who want to create permanent works usually prefer these papers. These papers are suitable for calligraphy and marbling arts as well as different drawing and painting techniques. They are also popular in the field of printing and collage.
The highest quality, acid-free handmade art papers are produced in eastern countries such as Japan, India and Nepal.
