When it comes to art, Xuan paper is truly something special. I first came across it while studing in China, and I was instantly impressed by its versatility and unique qualities. It quickly became a favorite of mine, and I understood why it has been cherished by artists for generations.
Often called “the king of papers,” Xuan paper is loved for its texture, flexibility, and long-standing history. But it’s not just for traditional Chinese art—it works beautifully in many other techniques, like printmaking, collage, and paper sculpting.
Thanks to its versatility, strength, and affordability, I think it’s one of the most valuable art supplies in my studio. For a while, I hesitated to share some of my favorite projects using Xuan paper, worried that it might be hard to find outside of China. But I’ve been pleasantly surprised by the options available online, especially on Amazon, so I plan to share more of my tried-and-true projects—starting with Tayin, or stone rubbing!
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what Xuan paper is, answer the question ‘What is Xuan paper?‘, discuss its various types, how it’s made, and why it deserves a rightful place at the center of any art practice.
What is Xuan Paper?
Xuan paper, often mistaken for rice paper, is a traditional type of handmade paper originating from China. It’s known for its high absorbency, durability, and soft texture, making it perfect for a wide range of art projects. Unlike rice paper, which is generally made from rice straw, Xuan paper is crafted from a blend of bark from the blue sandalwood tree (Pteroceltis tatarinowii) and other plant fibers. This distinction is important, as Xuan paper’s unique composition gives it properties that make it ideal for many different art forms.
History of Xuan Paper
The origins of Xuan paper date back over a thousand years to the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD). It was first produced in the Xuan region of China, which is where it gets its name. The unique water quality and mild climate of Jing County in Anhui Province played a key role in developing this craft. Handmade from the tough bark of the Tara Wing-Celtis (blue sandalwood tree) and rice straw, Xuan paper is known for its strong, smooth surface, its ability to absorb water and moisten ink, and its capacity to fold repeatedly without breaking.
The traditional craftsmanship of Xuan paper-making has been passed down orally over generations, proceeding strictly by hand through more than a hundred steps, such as steeping, washing, fermenting, bleaching, pulping, sunning, and cutting—a process that takes more than two years. This refined technique earned Xuan paper recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009. The production of Xuan paper is a major part of the local economy in Jing County, employing many artisans and even being taught in local schools.
Types of Xuan Paper
There are several different types of Xuan paper, each with unique properties that make it suited for various applications. These types of Xuan paper offer artists different levels of absorbency and control, making them versatile for a wide range of projects. Some of the most common types include:
- Sheng Xuan (Raw Xuan): This type is highly absorbent and preferred by artists who want to create soft, blurred effects. It is ideal for spontaneous-style brushwork.
- Shu Xuan (Processed Xuan): Treated with alum, Shu Xuan is less absorbent compared to Sheng Xuan. This makes it more suitable for detailed work, where precision is crucial.
- Half-Ripe Xuan: A middle ground between Sheng and Shu Xuan, offering a balance of absorbency and control, which can be particularly useful for beginners or those who enjoy experimenting with different techniques.
How is Xuan Paper Made?
The process of making Xuan paper is intricate and labor-intensive, requiring over a hundred steps from start to finish. It begins with harvesting the bark of the blue sandalwood tree, which is then steamed, soaked, and pounded into pulp. This pulp is mixed with other plant fibers and formed into sheets through a screen. The sheets are then sun-dried and polished to achieve their signature smoothness. Each sheet of Xuan paper carries a unique texture and character, influenced by the craftsmanship involved in its production.
Versatile Uses of Xuan Paper
Drawing and Painting: Xuan paper is popular for ink and wash painting, but it also works wonderfully with watercolors and even some acrylic techniques. Its ability to hold ink without feathering gives artists the freedom to create expressive brushstrokes and delicate gradations.
Printmaking: The absorbent and strong qualities of Xuan paper make it an excellent choice for printmaking, including techniques like woodblock printing and linocuts. The paper’s soft texture picks up details beautifully.
Collage and Mixed Media: Xuan paper is perfect for collage and mixed media work due to its lightweight but durable nature. It can be torn, layered, or used as a base for a variety of materials.
Tayin (Stone Rubbing): Xuan paper is also an essential material for Tayin, or stone rubbing. Its strength and absorbency make it ideal for capturing detailed impressions from stone surfaces. This traditional technique is explored in-depth in our post: The Complete Guide to Chinese Rubbing Art: Tayin Techniques, History, and Materials.
Paper Sculpting: Thanks to its flexibility and strength, Xuan paper can also be used in paper sculpting, like in this project!
Xuan Paper Characteristics
Xuan paper is known for its soft and smooth texture, flexibility, and excellent absorbency. The paper’s surface is delicate yet resilient, allowing for the deep saturation of ink while still maintaining a fine balance of control. It’s also highly durable, with some pieces lasting hundreds of years when preserved properly, making it a favorite for archival-quality artworks.
One of the reasons I absolutely love using Xuan paper with children is its incredible versatility, which makes it perfect for supporting their creativity and exploration. Its adaptability allows kids to try different techniques without worrying about the paper tearing or not performing well, giving them the confidence to experiment and learn.
One of the most amazing features of Xuan paper is that it can be completely soaked without tearing or losing its shape after drying. Additionally, multiple sheets can be soaked simultaneously and still separate easily once dry.
This quality is the basis for poran, or the pouring ink technique, which is another one of my favorites!
It is resistant yet thin, highly absorbent, and surprisingly affordable, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of creative projects. Its ability to withstand various techniques without tearing, combined with its easy storage, makes it perfect for creative activities with kids in a classroom or studio setting. The paper’s unique properties encourage children to experiment freely, building their confidence and supporting hands-on, process-based learning approaches.
Xuan Paper vs. Rice Paper
It’s easy to confuse Xuan paper with rice paper, but there is a significant difference between Xuan paper and rice paper. While Xuan paper is made from tree bark and plant fibers, rice paper is generally made from rice straw. Rice paper is less absorbent, making it better suited for crafts rather than painting or calligraphy. Xuan paper’s absorbency and texture make it far more versatile for a variety of artistic uses.
How to Choose the Right Xuan Paper
Choosing the right Xuan paper depends on your project and skill level. Xuan paper comes in three main types: raw (untreated and absorbent), sized (coated with alum and moisture-resistant), and semi-sized (partially coated with alum).
Raw Xuan Paper (Sheng Xuan): Sometimes called uncooked, raw Xuan paper is the most absorbent and reacts honestly to moisture, making it popular for fluid and spontaneous work. There are variations, such as Single Xuan, which is highly absorbent and often challenging for beginners due to its tendency to bleed or spread, and Double Xuan, which is thicker and easier to control. Experienced artists and calligraphers often appreciate the fluidity of raw single Xuan, while beginners may prefer the added stability of double Xuan.
Sized Xuan Paper (Shu Xuan): Also known as cooked Xuan, this paper is treated with alum to make it more resistant to moisture. This allows for greater control, as the moisture from your brush doesn’t absorb as quickly and can be manipulated even after the stroke is placed. Artists familiar with Western watercolor techniques often enjoy working with sized Xuan because it behaves more like Western watercolor paper. In Asian brush painting, it is commonly used for Gong-bi or Fine Line (Meticulous Style) painting.
Semi-Sized Xuan Paper (Half-Ripe Xuan): This paper is partially treated, providing a balance between raw and sized papers. It allows for some spontaneity while offering more control over moisture absorption. This makes it an excellent choice for beginners who want to explore Chinese brush painting without the steep learning curve of raw paper. It is also ideal for background washes, crinkle techniques, and landscapes, providing a bridge between Eastern and Western painting styles.
I really encourage you to try out different types of Xuan paper and techniques, especially with kids. If you’re not sure where to start, half-ripe Xuan paper is a fantastic option. It offers a good mix of control and flexibility, making it perfect for a wide range of creative projects—whether kids are just starting out or exploring more advanced techniques.
Best Brushes for Xuan Paper
Specialty ink brushes are essential when practicing traditional calligraphy and ink drawing, but for more experimental, process-based techniques, a well-rounded, sturdy brush will do just fine.
Also, there’s no need to purchase multiple sizes since Chinese brushes are narrow at the tip and can create different line thicknesses with varying pressure. I recommend choosing a good, sturdy Chinese ink brush (also known as a sumi brush) in one size and start experimenting from there.
Xuan Paper vs. Other Papers for Painting
Compared to Western watercolor paper or rice paper, Xuan paper offers a unique ability to absorb ink and create soft, flowing strokes. It is highly responsive to different brush techniques, allowing for a wide range of effects that other papers simply can’t achieve. This makes it an excellent choice not only for traditional painting styles but also for more experimental, modern approaches.
Xuan paper is incredibly thin yet water-resistant, capable of absorbing impressive amounts of water, ink, and pigment without breaking. Its thinness makes it perfect for creating beautiful multi-layered collages, papier-mâché projects, and even paper sculptures, as it returns to a sturdy state once dried.
Suminagashi with Xuan Paper STEAM Art Lesson
How to Care for Xuan Paper
To ensure the longevity of Xuan paper, store it in a clean, dry place, either flat or loosely rolled to avoid creases and folds.
How to Use Xuan Paper for Different Art Projects
In most of our projects, we used Xuan paper in two sizes: a large format for bigger works and a smaller one for collages, cut-outs, and other activities.
One of our favorite classes that focused entirely on Xuan paper was 泼染, or ‘poured ink.’ For this class, we’d cover the floor with newspaper and give each student a stack of four sheets of Xuan paper.
They would freely pour ink in different colors, along with plaster, gold leaf, and other materials, onto the sheets, letting everything dry without moving.
Once dried, the top sheet would become the main artwork, while the rest colored papers were used for other projects like collages, printmaking, or papier mace. We always had buckets in the classroom filled with scrap Xuan paper—some for trial prints or paper pulp sculptures, and others for collages. As a result, almost nothing went to waste.
Frequently Asked Questions About Xuan Paper
Final Thoughts
Xuan paper is a versatile and essential material for any artist. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re an experienced creator, the unique properties of Xuan paper—its craftsmanship, absorbency, and flexibility—can open up a whole pletora of possibilities.
Xuan paper is also a fantastic material for Tayin, or stone rubbing, which I’ve explored in-depth in my post: The Complete Guide to Chinese Rubbing Art: Tayin Techniques, History, and Materials.
If you found this guide helpful, explore our related posts on art supplies and creative projects using Xuan paper.
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