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Calligraphy paper is an ordinary type of ink-absorbing paper developed in the 1980s alongside economic and market growth. Produced primarily in regions such as Fuyang (Zhejiang), Du'an (Guangxi), Jiajiang (Sichuan), Qian'an (Hebei), and Jing County (Anhui), its early raw materials included dragon beard grass pulp, wood pulp, bamboo pulp, and waste paper pulp, leading to inconsistent quality. Later, dragon beard grass pulp from Hubei and Henan became the preferred material.
Dragon Beard Grass is a wild herb predominantly found in hilly areas south of the Yellow River in China. Manufacturers convert it into pure dry pulp boards, which dissolve quickly upon contact with water. The pulping process involves crushing, pulping, bleaching, and drying, taking approximately 2-3 days. Although simple, this process introduces numerous impurities affecting paper quality.
Calligraphy paper's ink retention relies on its solubility, but compared to Xuan paper, it exhibits irregular, uneven, and layerless ink absorption, permeating blindly. While suitable for beginners practicing calligraphy, it is less ideal for painting due to its inferior anti-aging and durability properties. Its preservation lifespan is only a few decades, fading or becoming insect-infested if improperly stored.
To distinguish Xuan paper from calligraphy paper, two methods exist: visual inspection and ink application testing. Visual inspection involves holding the paper against light to observe cloud-like filaments (sandalwood bark fibers) or rice straw tendons present in Xuan paper but absent in calligraphy paper. Ink application testing involves applying four types of ink marks to observe brushstroke clarity and layering, where Xuan paper excels while calligraphy paper appears blurry, especially after heavy adsorption or thick ink application.
Key Considerations for Collecting Xuan Paper:
Xuan paper, a unique traditional handmade paper in China dating back over 1,000 years to the Tang Dynasty, retains its production techniques through meticulous preservation. Used for calligraphy and traditional Chinese painting, it endows these arts with distinctive charm and ensures long-term preservation.
When collecting Xuan paper, prioritize genuine traditional brands with pure white and fine texture, clear patterns, and soft resilience. One primary material is green sandalwood bark, but geographical origin significantly impacts quality. The state enforces strict "origin protection" for Xuan paper, defining it as produced from rice straw and green sandalwood bark in Sha Tin areas of Jing County, Anhui Province, and surrounding regions, refined within Jing County using unique mountain spring water and traditional techniques.
Collectors should consider Xuan paper's quality characteristics and recognition in the calligraphy and painting circles. Three key considerations include: authenticity, variety selection based on user preferences, and attention to unique features such as small-batch production and specific themes.
Industry insiders emphasize that for any type of collection, the nascent stage of the market represents the optimal entry point for collectors. However, due to the unique characteristics of this early phase, discerning treasures with a keen eye emerges as the most critical challenge. Individuals lacking the requisite knowledge are advised to exercise caution before engaging in such activities.
In recent years, public awareness and appreciation of Xuan paper and aged paper have steadily grown. Beyond certain limited-edition varieties, the prices of some Xuan papers with extended storage periods (commonly defined within the industry as over five years, qualifying them as "aged paper") have been progressively increasing annually. This trend has gradually drawn the attention of collectors, transforming Xuan paper collection into a novel investment avenue. According to feedback from reputable Xuan paper manufacturers in Jing County, individual customer orders have surged significantly in recent years. Moreover, manufacturer inventories of Xuan paper have been depleted within the past two years.
As per Mu Yongqiang, several varieties produced by the Star Xuan Paper Factory have already been acquired by calligraphers, painters, and collectors alike. In the latter half of this year, the Star Xuan Paper Factory is set to introduce a new type of traditionally handcrafted ultra-pure Xuan paper. Featuring a moderate price point, this product benefits from advanced technological applications, resulting in notable enhancements in craftsmanship, color, texture, and packaging. It is highly collectible, not only preserving and enhancing its value over time but also providing an excellent medium for artistic creation by calligraphers and painters.
