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Broussonetia Papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent. © Flora of China

Broussonetia Papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent. © C. Laroque

Broussonetia Papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent.

Broussonetia Papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent. © L.B. Vilmont

Identification

Fibre type	Bast fiber
Average fibre length	10 mm
Average fibre width	28µm (25-35µm)
Fibre ends	Ends of various shapes, pointed or blunt, scalloped, forked, spatulated.
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases	Faint, Cross-markings.
Associated Cells	Parenchyma cells. Rectangular associated cells which turn blue.
Special features	Irregurlarly shaped fiber ends and walls. Looks like woodpulp (vessels) and straw pulp. Fibers often covered with a translucent membrane which is the most characteristic element of the paper mulberry fiber. Very long fibers. Usually thick but irregular fiber walls with crosses.
Herzberg stain	Red with blue lumen membrane.
C. Graff stain	Red with blue lumen membrane.

Botanical classification

Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent.

Order:

Rosales

Family:

Moraceae

Synonyms:

Morus papyrifera L.

Smithiodendron artocarpioideum Hu

Papyrius papyrifera (L.) Kuntze

Plant growing area

Native to the Pacific region (Polynesia).

Native or cultivated in Burma, Cambodia, China (Anhui, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hainan, Hebei, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shaanxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Sichuan, South East Xizang/Tibet, Yunnan, Zhejiang), India (Sikkim), Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Thailand, Taiwan, Vietnam.

Grows in China until 2500m.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

China, Korea, Japan, Thailand.

China:

Anhui, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Henan, Hainan, Hebei, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shanxi,Shaanxi, Shandong, Sichuan, South East Xizang (Tibet), Yunnan, Zhejiang.

Japan:

Chūbu (Niigata,Toyama, Ishikawa,Fukui, Nagano, Gifu, Shizuoka, Aichi Prefectures), Chūgoku (Shimane Prefecture), Kansai (Kyoto, Hyogo, Nara Prefectures), Kantō (Ibaraki, Tochigi, Saitama Prefectures), Kyūshū (Fukuoka, Kumamoto, Oita, Kagoshima Prefectures), Shikoku (Tokushima, Ehime, Kochi Prefectures), Tōhoku (Iwate , Miyagi, Fukushima Prefectures).

Korea:

Gyeonggi (Gapyeong, Mungyeong, Gyeongin, Yeongin), Gangwon (Wonju), Chungcheong (Danyang, Goesan) Gyeongsang (Andong, Chongsong, Uiryeong, Hamyang, Jinju), Jeolla (Imsil, Namwon, Jeonjiu).

Thailand:

Chiangmai

Plant cultivation and use

Brousonnetias are a genus of the Moraceae family, which includes several species which the main are B. papyrifera, B. kazinoki, B. kaempferi, B. kurzii.
Brousonnetia papyrifera is a deciduous shrub which grows in the wild but can be cultivated; it can reach 15m in height. The species is dioecious. The fruits are edible. It grows as well on flat ground, allowing an easy harvest, as on hillside, where land is less desirable for other cultures. It accommodates both dry lands and wetlands.
Its cultivation is quite easy but it's Brousonnetia kazinoki being simpler, the two species are often planted in mixed fields. Cultivated shrubs provide better fibers than the wild ones; they are thick, long and strong. Its growth is slow, however, the harvest can take place each year.
Shrubs provide bark used for ever in East Asia and the Pacific arc. They are mainly used in paper manufacturing, but also in traditional medicine as are the leaves and fruits of the shrub.

China:

Paper mulberry in the past and until now grows or is cultivated throughout China.

The use of Broussonetia barks in the manufacture of paper, originated probably in the ancient production of barkcloth (tapa), especially in the South and Southwest.

Paper mulberry is harvested, grown or sold for the manufacture of cloth very early, under the Shang (-17th / 11th-century).

The earliest mention of the use of bark in the manufacture of paper can be found in the biography of Cai-Lun, within the "Hou Han shu " or "History of the Later Han Dynasty" by Fan Yeh, dating from the 5th century and the use seems to have started with Cai Lun in the second century.

Papers made with paper mulberry are already popular under the Jin (265-420); under the Tang (618-907), these papers are quite common for writing. Papers for calligraphy and painting in the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) are often made from a mixture of bark and bamboo or sometimes straw.

At all times they are also used for making money paper, clothes, for bookbinding, in the interiors, etc. At the end of the Tang Dynasty lightweight armors are made with paper, which are able to stop the arrows; they will be used even under the Qing (1644-1911) by the tribes of the south, Yunnan, Guizhou, Guangxi.

Japan:

Papermakers formerly cultivated their own fields of kozo (Broussonetia papyrifera) but now with rare exceptions, kozo or kazinoki (Broussonetia kazinoki) are grown by farmers in addition to food crops and are sold to paper makers. However, some papermakers still gather together to grow and harvest the bark at the place where paper is manufactured. The paper is produced in many regions of Japan.

Kozo was used early in the manufacture of paper. The earliest papers in Japan (family records of families from Mino - Gifu, Chikuzen – Fukuoka et Buzen – Oita) dating from 702, are kozo papers.

The first great era of paper production in Japan covers the Nara period (710-794) and Heian period (794-1185). During these periods, Japan is dominated by a bureaucracy on the Chinese model that requires the use of large quantities of paper. The practice of copying sutras also requires the production of high quality white paper. The government encourages the establishment of paper mills but they remain under the control of local authorities. Local lords control the production because paper is a ware used as tax. The first papers are produced by the tamezuki method up to the Heian period when they are replaced by the nagashizuki method (see papermaking process).

Techniques improve during the Heian period and kozo and gampi (Wikstroemia) will take the place of hemp. Kozo takes the greatest space because it is easier than hemp and can be grown easily everywhere; gampi has a more limited use because as it could not be cultivated, harvesting is restricted to wild shrubs.

The second great period runs from the Kamakura period (1185-1333) until the end of the Meiji period (1868-1912). The demand for paper increases enormously during the feudal period. Production increases in quantity, quality and variety. During the Edo period (1603-1868), kozo is grown and used in paper manufactures in many parts of Japan. The paper changes its status, from taxes, it takes the status of goods exported to the large cities. This lucrative trade is under the control of the clans of samurais.

The pure kozo paper (choshi) is used for calligraphy, official documents, printing.

Papers for calligraphy are sized to prevent the ink to spread and appear dull and flat. At present papers for calligraphy may contain other fibers such as bamboo or rice straw to expand the range of aesthetic effects to be obtained.

In the arts, kozo papers are used as support for painting, prints, scroll paintings mounting, screens or sliding doors.

They are widely used in homes to cover windows, sliding doors, walls and floors and in different crafts where they are used to make domestic purpose objects, boxes, jars, umbrellas, lanterns, fans, textiles, toys etc

Finally, they are also found in religious or ceremonial articles.

They are also used for making fabrics: the paper sheet is used directly after being treated to increase its strength (Kamiko) or after making threads. The fabric is obtained by weaving mixed threads, paper threads and textiles threads such as silk, cotton or hemp (Shifu).

Korea:

The word "dak" in Korean is a generic term for "paper mulberry". The two species Broussonetia papyrifera and Broussonetia Kazinoki were hybridized early and the two names "Daknamu” (Broussonetia Kazinoki) and “Kkujinamu” (Broussonetia papyrifera) are often confused; the term Daknamu is most often used but may designate one or other of the two species. However, it seems that Broussonetia Kazinoki is most commonly used.

The plant grew throughout Korea and its cultivation increased with the development of the paper industry.

Dak fibers appear to have been used early in the manufacture of paper between the second and fourth centuries AD. The rough surface of the first papers is flattened by hammering or "dochim", a practice that seems to rise in the 8th century.

During the Goryeo period (918-1392) the government encourages the development of the paper industry and Buddhism introduced in the fourth century, became in this period the dominant religion, sacred texts are widely copied and then printed. The development of printing that allows the publication of numerous books, enhance the need to produce more paper.

The Joseon government (1392 - 1910) in front of the magnitude of demand will encourage the diversification of raw materials. Gradually fibers of various kinds are mixed with dak fibers and quality which made the reputation of Korean paper at the beginning of the Joseon period, decreased significantly from the 16th century.

The mulberry papers are used for calligraphy, official documents, printing. In the arts, they serve as support for painting, prints, scroll paintings mounting, screens or sliding doors.

Thailand:

In Thailand, the use of Broussonetia started with the Japanese occupation (linked to a growing demand for paper from Japanese) during the Second World War. It replaced the Streblus asper (Khoi), fiber traditionally used in Thailand, which was missing while Broussonetia was abundant in northern Thailand.

Preparation process for making paper

China:

Harvesting takes place in the spring. The bark is peeled directly from the branches or after steaming. In this case, the branches are put in bundles and the peeling of the bark is done after steaming or cooking in boiling water inside a closed tank. The bark can then either be dried in the sun or let to ferment. In the first case, the impurities are removed by an alkaline cooking (ash lye) that can last several days. If the fermentation process is used, the barks are immersed in water to ferment for several days. They are then rinsed and brown bark is scraped with a knife. They are then immersed in a lime bath for several weeks. The operation is followed by further rinsing.

Bleaching is carried out by exposing the bark to the sun with water spraying for 7 to 11 weeks.
The bark is then crushed by various methods: in a mortar with a pestle or with a trip hammer (foot hammer or with cams activated by water power) on a stone or beaten with mallets or wooden sticks or crushed in a grinder moved by an animal.

Before making the sheets, a dispersing agent is added to the pulp which is brewed.
Sheet forming uses several methods: bailing in one or several scoops depending on the desired thickness.

The sheets are couched in a pile before being put under weight or in press during one night. They are then brushed on a heated or not heated wall to dry.

Japan:

Harvesting begins when the leaves have fallen in November, December. The branches are cut into equal pieces of one meter in length to form bundles. These bundles are placed in an oven for two to three hours to facilitate the peeling of the bark. The bark at this stage is called "black bark" because of its outside layer to be removed before ensiling. It is scraped with a knife.

The bark is then rinsed and let to dry on racks. The bark is ready to make paper after two or three years of storage.

Before cooking the bark can be bleached: it is exposed to sunlight in the cold water of a river or on the snow. Cooking in an alkaline solution allows the removal of lignin, pectins, gums and waxes, which would block the separation of fibers during the beating. Alcaline solutions are either made from wood ash or alkaline chemicals (sodium hydroxide or lime). Cooking lasts about two hours but the duration varies depending on the age of the bark and the alkali used. After cooking the barks are rinsed to remove alkali residues. Removing of foreign particles is done by hands in cold water.

The pulp is then beaten manually with mallets or sticks, or in the Japanese hollander, the naginata.The pulp is poured into a wooden vat already filled with water and a dispersing agent is added to the pulp which is whipped using a wooden rake.Two methods are used to make the sheet: nagashizuki or tamezuki. In the tamezuki method the amount of needed pulp is taken at once to form the sheet. In the nagashizuki method the sheet is made by superimposing layers of fibers successively until the desired thickness.The sheets are laid one by one on a board equipped with marks, with or without spacer (thread, gras stem) for better separation after pressing. The pressing is done by placing the paper stack under load or in a lever press. The pressing is done at the end of the workday, it lasts usually one night. To make them dry, the sheets are brushed on wooden boards which will be placed outdoors or indoors. Currently heated metal plates are also used.Finally, the sheets are sorted and usually trimmed with a knife using a template.

Korea:

Harvesting takes place between November and February. One year shrubs are preferably chosen for their soft fibers. The branches are cut to a length of 1.20m; to facilitate the peeling of the bark, the bundles are spread in a metal pot filled with water and are covered with a thick coarse cloth which will retain the steam. The device is heated for 5-7 hours.

After steaming the bark can be directly separated from the wood and then dried in the sun. The bark is called at this stage "black bark" because of its outer layer which should be removed. It is scraped with a knife.

The white bark is left to soak for one day to facilitate the removal of soluble elements and penetration into the fibers of the alkaline solution. Then the bark is cut and assembled into bunches for an alkaline cooking. The barks are placed in a vat containing a caustic lye and boiled for three to four hours. This operation removes lignin and non desirable materials (pectins, starches). Alkaline agents are either plant ashes or alkaline chemicals (soda, lime or sodium carbonate). After cooking, the barks are rinsed in running water for half a day to remove detergent and dissolved substances. The barks are immersed longer in running water, for several days in order to expose them to sunlight and to bleach them.

The removal of hard impurities is done by hand in cold water.
The pulp is then beaten by various methods: using sticks on a flat stone or a wooden disk, a vertical beater and more recently in the Japanese hollander called naginata.
To proceed to sheet making, the tank is first filled with water and the pulp is poured into the vat. The dispersing agent is added and the pulp is whipped. The methods used are called webal, ssangbal and jangpanji. In the webal method, the sheet is usually formed of two layers. The sheet is couched on a wooden board; either one sheet is couched alone, or a second sheet is laid on its surface, head to tail to form a single sheet. The Ssangbal method is derived from Japanese nagashizuki returned after 1900 (the method had been imported in the early 15th century when production should be accelerated). In Jangpanji, which is used for the manufacture of large format sheets, the mould is maintained by two people at each large end. The sheet is formed by successive layers of pulp.
In all cases, the sheets are couched with the movable screen in a stack and are separated or not by an intermediate element (thread, grass stem) to facilitate separation after pressing. Before lifting the screen, the pile of sheets is pressed with a wooden roller to eliminate air bubbles. The pressing is carried out under load or in a lever press. The draining is slow (12 hours). To be dried, the sheets are brushed on a smooth surface: wooden desks, on the floor made with oiled papers, on a heated metal plate.

Calendering or Dochim is the step that makes paper more compact, less porous and gives it a smooth surface. The sheets are moistened into small packs of ten and are then hammered on a flat stone with a foot hammer (currently a motorized hammer).

Thailand:

Harvesting takes place when the shrub has reached a certain maturity. The bark is peeled directly from the branches. The barks are first placed in clean water for a day to soften them. Then they are boiled in water with lime or in wood ash lye for 5 hours and finally rinsed. The removal of hard impurities is done by hand.
Beating is done manually using wooden mallets on a wooden table or the Japanese hollander (naginata).
The paper mould used to make the sheet is non movable, it is a cotton canvas stretched over wooden bars. Two methods are used to form the sheets: the mould is immersed and agitated to allow the distribution of the paste, the mould is set to float on the surface of the tank and the pulp measured in the right quantity and diluted in a container is poured over the mould to be evenly distributed by hand.
For drying, the mould is placed at an angle in the sun. After complete drying the sheet will be detached by peeling.

Paper names

In Asia and particularly in China, Korea and Japan, the papers are intended for a wide range of use: Papers for calligraphy and art, Papers for ceremonies, Paper as a medium of exchange, money paper, Papers for making clothes, wall hangings and bedding, Papers for architecture, interior design, Papers for crafts of various kinds, for domestic purposes and leisure. The names assigned to the paper refers to different notions: The material used, The place of production, The method of production, Appearance, Dimensions, Use, The name of an artist or a studio etc.

China:

Suffixes zhi or chih = paper.

In China, unlike Korea and Japan, papers made with paper mulberry fibers are not prominent, the production of paper from bamboo fiber being the most important.

Japan:

Suffixes kami, gami, shi = paper.

In Japan kozo papers are the most numerous.

Korea:

Suffix ji = paper.

In Korea papers made with paper mulberry bark are the most numerous.

Thailand:

Papers made with paper mulberry fibers are a modern production in Thailand.

Used part of the plant:

Bark

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaudich. © Flora of China

Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaudich. © C.Laroque

Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaudich. © L.B. Vilmont

Identification

Fibre type	Bast fiber
Average fibre lenght	60 – 250 mm
Average fibre width	17 – 80 μm
Fibre ends	Round ends (rarely present).
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases	Longitudinal stratifications of the wall, many crosses.
Associated cells	Crystals of calcium oxalate.
Special features	Fibers are flat, ribbon-shaped and tend to twist and tangle; they have a large lumen and a membrane. Cross-section: flatter than tubular, lumen and walls of varying thickness.
Herzberg staining	Orange red.
Graff 'C' staining	Red.

Botanical classification

Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaudich.

Order:

Rosales

Family:

Urticaceae

Synonyms:

Boehmeria nivea (L.) Hook. f. & Arn.

Urtica nivea L. (pour Boehmeria nivea var. nivea)

Ramium niveum (L.) Kuntze

Plant growing area

Originated in tropical areas of Asia.

Bhutan, Cambodia, China (South Anhui, Fujian, South Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, South Henan, Hainan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, South Shaanxi, Sichuan, Yunnan, Zhejiang), India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Laos, Nepal, Sikkim, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.

Forest margins, thickets, moist places along streams, roadsides, often cultivated; 200-1700 m.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

China, Korea, Japan.

Plant cultivation and use

Boehmerias form one of the genera of the Urticaceae family; the genus includes one hundred species. There are about 65 tropical or subtropical species of which 6 are endemic in China. These are flowering plants, but unlike other members of the same family, genus bears no stinging hairs.

Boehmeria nivea or white ramie or is a large perennial herb. It spreads by fragmentation of rhizomes. The stems reach 2 to 3m high. The plant likes sandy and well drained soils.

The plant is cultivated for its resistant bast fibers. It is possible to obtain 2-4 harvests per year depending on the climate of the region.

Its fibers are shorter than those of hemp, but they are very strong in the manufacture of ropes and nets. The longest fibers are reserved for the textile industry while the shortest are for paper manufacturing.

This is one of the oldest textile plants because its use would have started more than 6000 years ago (it was used in the manufacture of strips for the preparation of mummies in Egypt).

However, the fibers are difficult to extract from the plant. Indeed, it is difficult to peel them in tow because they are very embedded with gums.

The fibers are difficult to dye due to high molecular crystallinity. They have a shiny appearance that made them qualify as silk plant.

The other species appreciated for textiles, is the green ramie (Boehmeria utilis, Boehmeria tenacissima), which is also cultivated in China.

Ramie has medical uses in particular it is febrifuge. Leaves and roots are also eaten.
Boehmeria nivea can also be grown as forage plant.

China:

The cultivation of ramie is reflected in China over 3000 years. The documents refer mainly to its culture as a textile plant. It grew around in the wild in China, especially in north and west areas, such as flax, hemp, jute. All these plants are called “ma” in old Chinese documents.

According to Ying-Hsing in « Tiangong kaiwu » or « Creations of nature and work of man » (circa 1600-1660) there are two varieties, green and yellow. Stems can be harvested two or three times a year. The fiber is different from flax, hemp and jute as it is covered with pectin, which is not easy to remove by bacterial action.

The process of elimination of pectin to get the fiber, is described by Lu Chi in the "Shih Ching" from the 3rd century: Remove the bark with a bamboo or iron knife; boil the internal fibers. This textile is used as furnishing textile throughout southern China.

The process of elimination of pectin was not well known in northern China that is why the clothes made with ramie were produced and worn especially in the south. They are known to be light for summer and are worn by the common people. It also used to make curtains, mosquito nets.
The Mongolian government in the13th century tried to introduce its culture in northern China but without success because the ramie does not grow well in the north, too dry. It survived in the south to the development of cotton cultivation. In the 19th century there is a flourishing trade in Canton for export to Europe.

Ramie is one of the oldest fibers used in China in the manufacture of paper. From the Tang Dynasty (618-907), there is a strong demand for hemp textiles; hemp reserved for textiles use, will be progressively replaced by ramie in the manufacture of paper. Its use will disappear at the end of the dynasty.

Japan:

It was mainly used as a textile plant in particular in the production of a very fine fabric called Miyako-Jōfu from the Miyako-jima Islands (Okinawa Prefecture). The fabric allows making clothes well adapted to local climatic conditions.

Korea:

It has rarely been used in Korea as a paper plant but mainly as a textile plant.

Preparation process for making paper

China:

Harvesting is made when stems turn to brown. The leaves are removed from the stems, the stems are steamed and the fibres stripped off. This inside bark is dried to avoid rotting.

The fibres are cooked for 2 hours with lye (fresh material might require longer cooking). They are then beaten in a Hollander beater.

Paper names

China:

Suffixes zhi or chih = paper.

In China, unlike Korea and Japan, papers made with paper mulberry fibers are not prominent, the production of paper from bamboo fiber being the most important.

Used part of the plant:

Stem

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Language:

French

Identification

Fibre type	Bast fiber
Average fibre length	10 mm
Average fibre width	28µm (25-35µm)
Fibre ends	Ends of various shapes, pointed or blunt, scalloped, forked, spatulated.
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases	Faint, Cross-markings.
Associated Cells	Parenchyma cells. Rectangular associated cells which turn blue.
Special features	Irregurlarly shaped fiber ends and walls. Looks like woodpulp (vessels) and straw pulp. Fibers often covered with a translucent membrane which is the most characteristic element of the paper mulberry fiber. Very long fibers. Usually thick but irregular fiber walls with crosses.
Herzberg stain	Red with blue lumen membrane.
C. Graff stain	Red with blue lumen membrane.

Botanical classification

Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent.

Order:

Rosales

Family:

Moraceae

Synonyms:

Morus papyrifera L.

Smithiodendron artocarpioideum Hu

Papyrius papyrifera (L.) Kuntze

Plant growing area

Native to the Pacific region (Polynesia).

Grows in China until 2500m.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

China, Korea, Japan, Thailand.

China:

Anhui, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Henan, Hainan, Hebei, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shanxi,Shaanxi, Shandong, Sichuan, South East Xizang (Tibet), Yunnan, Zhejiang.

Japan:

Korea:

Thailand:

Chiangmai

Plant cultivation and use

China:

Paper mulberry in the past and until now grows or is cultivated throughout China.

The use of Broussonetia barks in the manufacture of paper, originated probably in the ancient production of barkcloth (tapa), especially in the South and Southwest.

Paper mulberry is harvested, grown or sold for the manufacture of cloth very early, under the Shang (-17th / 11th-century).

Japan:

Kozo was used early in the manufacture of paper. The earliest papers in Japan (family records of families from Mino - Gifu, Chikuzen – Fukuoka et Buzen – Oita) dating from 702, are kozo papers.

The pure kozo paper (choshi) is used for calligraphy, official documents, printing.

In the arts, kozo papers are used as support for painting, prints, scroll paintings mounting, screens or sliding doors.

Finally, they are also found in religious or ceremonial articles.

Korea:

The plant grew throughout Korea and its cultivation increased with the development of the paper industry.

The mulberry papers are used for calligraphy, official documents, printing. In the arts, they serve as support for painting, prints, scroll paintings mounting, screens or sliding doors.

Thailand:

Preparation process for making paper

China:

Before making the sheets, a dispersing agent is added to the pulp which is brewed.
Sheet forming uses several methods: bailing in one or several scoops depending on the desired thickness.

The sheets are couched in a pile before being put under weight or in press during one night. They are then brushed on a heated or not heated wall to dry.

Japan:

The bark is then rinsed and let to dry on racks. The bark is ready to make paper after two or three years of storage.

Korea:

Thailand:

Paper names

China:

Suffixes zhi or chih = paper.

In China, unlike Korea and Japan, papers made with paper mulberry fibers are not prominent, the production of paper from bamboo fiber being the most important.

Japan:

Suffixes kami, gami, shi = paper.

In Japan kozo papers are the most numerous.

Korea:

Suffix ji = paper.

In Korea papers made with paper mulberry bark are the most numerous.

Thailand:

Papers made with paper mulberry fibers are a modern production in Thailand.

Used part of the plant:

Bark

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Language:

English

Identification

Fibre type	Bast fiber
Average fibre length	10 mm
Average fibre width	28µm (25-35µm)
Fibre ends	Ends of various shapes, pointed or blunt, scalloped, forked, spatulated.
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases	Faint, Cross-markings.
Associated Cells	Parenchyma cells. Rectangular associated cells which turn blue.
Special features	Irregurlarly shaped fiber ends and walls. Looks like woodpulp (vessels) and straw pulp. Fibers often covered with a translucent membrane which is the most characteristic element of the paper mulberry fiber. Very long fibers. Usually thick but irregular fiber walls with crosses.
Herzberg stain	Red with blue lumen membrane.
C. Graff stain	Red with blue lumen membrane.

Botanical classification

Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent.

Order:

Rosales

Family:

Moraceae

Synonyms:

Morus papyrifera L.

Smithiodendron artocarpioideum Hu

Papyrius papyrifera (L.) Kuntze

Plant growing area

Native to the Pacific region (Polynesia).

Grows in China until 2500m.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

China, Korea, Japan, Thailand.

China:

Anhui, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Henan, Hainan, Hebei, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shanxi,Shaanxi, Shandong, Sichuan, South East Xizang (Tibet), Yunnan, Zhejiang.

Japan:

Korea:

Thailand:

Chiangmai

Plant cultivation and use

China:

Paper mulberry in the past and until now grows or is cultivated throughout China.

The use of Broussonetia barks in the manufacture of paper, originated probably in the ancient production of barkcloth (tapa), especially in the South and Southwest.

Paper mulberry is harvested, grown or sold for the manufacture of cloth very early, under the Shang (-17th / 11th-century).

Japan:

Kozo was used early in the manufacture of paper. The earliest papers in Japan (family records of families from Mino - Gifu, Chikuzen – Fukuoka et Buzen – Oita) dating from 702, are kozo papers.

The pure kozo paper (choshi) is used for calligraphy, official documents, printing.

In the arts, kozo papers are used as support for painting, prints, scroll paintings mounting, screens or sliding doors.

Finally, they are also found in religious or ceremonial articles.

Korea:

The plant grew throughout Korea and its cultivation increased with the development of the paper industry.

The mulberry papers are used for calligraphy, official documents, printing. In the arts, they serve as support for painting, prints, scroll paintings mounting, screens or sliding doors.

Thailand:

Preparation process for making paper

China:

Before making the sheets, a dispersing agent is added to the pulp which is brewed.
Sheet forming uses several methods: bailing in one or several scoops depending on the desired thickness.

The sheets are couched in a pile before being put under weight or in press during one night. They are then brushed on a heated or not heated wall to dry.

Japan:

The bark is then rinsed and let to dry on racks. The bark is ready to make paper after two or three years of storage.

Korea:

Thailand:

Paper names

China:

Suffixes zhi or chih = paper.

In China, unlike Korea and Japan, papers made with paper mulberry fibers are not prominent, the production of paper from bamboo fiber being the most important.

Japan:

Suffixes kami, gami, shi = paper.

In Japan kozo papers are the most numerous.

Korea:

Suffix ji = paper.

In Korea papers made with paper mulberry bark are the most numerous.

Thailand:

Papers made with paper mulberry fibers are a modern production in Thailand.

Used part of the plant:

Bark

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Language:

English

Cannabis sativa L.© O.W.Thomé Flora von Deutschland 1885

Identification

Fibre type	Bast fiber
Average fibre length	11mm
Average fibre width	22µm (10-50µm)
Fibre ends	Tapering blunt.
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases	Prominent cross-markings and longitudinal striations.
Associated Cells	Often present.
Special features	Long fibers. Large and abrundant parenchyma cells in the plant core. Thick walls with many cross-markings, dislocations and longitudinal striations. Blunt ends but also irregular because of the of the preparation method. Fibers from textiles do not contain associated cells in general, while those from the raw materials contain vessels with craters, parenchyma and short fibers with holes. Hemp fibers generally are larger than those of flax. Irregularities in the walls. Irregular large lumen, many cross-markings, irregular state fibers and fibrillation show if they come from rags.
Herzberg Stain	Purple yellow (bast) / dark purple (nucleus). wine red.
C. Graff Stain	Red.

Botanical classification

Cannabis sativa L.

Order:

Rosales

Family:

Cannabaceae

Synonyms:

Cannabis chinensis Delile

Cannabis indica Lam.

Cannabis sativa var. indica (Lam.) E. Small & Cronquist

Plant growing area

Native or naturalized in Bhutan, India, and Sikkim, Central Asia.

Cultivated throughout China, native or naturalized in Xinjiang.

Cannabis sativa is probably originally native to Central Asia, but its long cultivation makes it difficult to know its exact original distribution. This long cultivation and human selection for different desirable characteristics has resulted in considerable variations, but separation into either several species or the recognition of several varieties is probably not justified beyond the level of cultivated forms.

Hemp cultivation has accompanied human migration and conquest to spread over all continents.

Currently it is cultivated in all warm temperate regions.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

China, Korea, Japan.

China:

Sichuan, Xinjiang.

Japan:

Shikoku (Tokushima, Kochi prefectures), Province: Chūbu (Fukui prefecture).

Plant cultivation and use

Annual plant up to 2m in height; very polymorphic plant, numerous breeds which quality varies with the weather, latitude, land.

The plant is dioecious (two sexes), but there are monoecious varieties.

The plant has been used for millennia as a source of fibres, for its seed oil, as food, as drug, as medicine; each part is harvested differently depending on its use.

It gives rise to two cultures: one for oil and one for fibres. Culture for the fibres is made on fertile land during summer.

The fibres are derived from the peripheral part of the stem; plant must pass a rigorous preparation in order to recover them.

The operation of retting is to place the stems in water for fermentation in order to eliminate the parenchyma surrounding the fibres. Then come the drying, crushing and beating operations to separate the long fibres.

China:

Hemp cultivation is probably one of the oldest and most durable in China. Hemp was grown all over China but particularly in the north. It probably evolved in northern China and was the first fibre plant to be cultivated. The oldest Chinese pharmacopeia book, "Bencao jing" or "Classic of Materia medica" (ca. 100 BC) mentioned that Taishan (Tai mount in Shandong province) was one of the oldest locations where hemp was grown in historical times. Hemp is the oldest plant to be used in making clothes before the use of cotton fibers in textiles from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644).

Hemp, flax, ramie, jute are called “ma” in old Chinese documents.

The use of hemp as fiber in papermaking is the oldest and dates back to the Western Han (206 BC-8 AD). The first papers are made from either fibre cloths or raw bast fibres. The oldest paper fragments from the Western Han period, discovered in Minfeg (Xinjiang province) dated from the beginning of the third century BC, the fragments found in Baqiao (Shaanxi province) dated 140- 87 BC and the fragments found in 1934 in Lobnor, near Loulan (Xinjiang province) dated from the first century BC, were all made with hemp fibres. Other common papermaking materials were used such as paper mulberry and ramie in the Han period and later as rattan introduced in the 3^rd century, but hemp remained the primary material for paper manufacture.

During the Tang period (618-907), hemp paper is considered as the best for calligraphy, bookbinding and official documents (including at Imperial Court’s) because it is light, strong and waterproof.

The use of hemp in paper making declined after the Tang period and was replaced progressively by ramie and bamboo.

Japan:

In Japan hemp plays a part in many rituals and stories since it is traditionally associated with purity and plays a symbolic role in the customs of the courtship.

Hemp as paper fiber is introduced to Japan via Korea at the end of the 6th century. Papers made from hemp fibers are called mashi.

The period from the 6th to the 12th century is marked by a centralized authority on the Chinese model which provokes the production of numerous documents. Hemp, gampi and kozo fibers are used in the manufacture of paper often in combination; however hemp fibers are the most popular and they are the most used during the Nara period (710-794).

One of the first texts to be printed upon paper in the world, the one million prayers “Dharani” from Empress Shotoku about 770 is composed of hemp.

Since the Heian period (794-1185), hemp will fall out of favour and replaced by gampi and kozo, easier to implement.

Korea:

In Korea, papermaking started no long after its birth in China; its origins are purported to fall somewhere between the third century and the end of the sixth century. The first Korean papermakers used materials and technologies similar to those of the Chinese which include hemp and ramie scraps and paper mulberry.

During the three kingdoms (Goguryo, Baekje and Silla : 18 B.C. - 668 A.D.) paper is made from hemp (ma ji) and paper mulberry (jo ji).

The paper made from hemp in Goguryo (37 BC-668 AD) was famous for its white color and smooth surface.

Goryo dynasty (918-1392) encouraged the cultivation of paper mulberry trees and private papermaking industry from 1145, to meet the growing demand for paper thanks to the publication and export of the complete collection of Buddhist sutras. So, hemp use in papermaking declined.

Under the Joeseon kingdom (1392-1910) in the early 15th century when lack of raw materials began to be felt, Korean papermakers are shipped to China to learn new techniques and the use of other raw materials to replace the paper mulberry fibers. These paper makers will reintroduce the use of hemp mixed with mulberry fibers.

Preparation process for making paper

China:

Cleaned fabric wastes are soaked in water in stone mortars. Then they are soaked or cooked in alcaline solution for one day. Finally they are crushed in a mortar or a grinder.

Japan:

Stems are harvested in late summer or autumn. They are either retted or steamed until the fibers are free. Then, the operation is followed by an alcaline cooking for 2 hours. The pulp is grinded ou beaten. The sheet is obtained by bailing.

Korea:

Waste fabrics are soaked in water and then shredded into small pieces before being crushed in a grinder. The pulp is steamed, rinsed with water before being crushed again. The pulp is poured into the vat and the sheet is formed on a fixed mold. Drying and bleaching are performed inside the mold.

Paper names

China:

Suffixes zhi or chih = paper.

In China, unlike Korea and Japan, papers made with paper mulberry fibers are not prominent, the production of paper from bamboo fiber being the most important.

Japan:

Suffixes kami, gami, shi = paper.

In Japan kozo papers are the most numerous.

Korea:

Suffix ji = paper.

In Korea papers made with paper mulberry bark are the most numerous.

Used part of the plant:

Stem

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Identification

Fibre type	Bast fiber.
Average fibre lenght	5mm
Average fibre width	21μm
Fibre ends	Very variable, tapering rounded.
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases	Faint crossmarkings.
Associated cells	Often present. Pitted vessel elements and parenchyma cells. Presence of cratered vessels larger than those of flax, but similar to hemp.
Special features	Short fibers. Irregularly shaped fiber ends and walls lumen. Looks like woodpulp (vessels) and straw pulp. Transverse shape: square or rectangular.
Herzberg staining	Blue.
Graff 'C' staining	Fiber in yellow with blue or green lumen.

Botanical classification

Hibiscus cannabinus L.

Order:

Malvales

Family:

Malvaceae

Synonyms:

Abelmoschus verrucosus (Guill. & Perr.) Walp.

Furcaria cavanillesii Kostel.

Hibiscus unidens Lindl.

Hibiscus verrucosus Guill. & Perr.

Ketmia glandulosa Moench

Plant growing area

Native to Africa and India.

Cultivated in China (Guangdong, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Jiangsu, Liaoning, Yunnan, Zhejiang), India, East-Asia, East Africa.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

China, India, Japan, Korea.

Plant cultivation and use

Hibiscus cannabinus is an annual herb which can reach more than 3 m high. The flowers are pale yellow or red with crimson centres. Blooming occurs from summer to autumn. Its growth is rapid; the plant can reach over four feet in four months.

Kenaf was grown in Egypt a millennium BC for making ropes and cloth (bags, sails).

The plant is grown all over Asia, mainly as fiber crop and for its oil which is used industrially. The fibers are used in the manufacture of coarse fabrics such as carpets.

Kenaf is used in India for the manufacture of cigarette paper. The rapid growth of the plant encourages papermakers to use it instead of wood in the production of paper pulp. Thus, the bast fibers or the whole stem itself are used.

Japan:

Kenaf is a modern paper fiber in Japan.

Preparation process for making paper

The harvest takes place in November-December when the stem has lost its leaves.

Paper names

Used part of the plant:

Stem

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Language:

English

Identification

Fibre type	Grass (Stem)
Average fibre lenght	3,5 mm
Average fibre width	14,5 µm
Fibre ends	Pointed.
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases
Associated cells
Special features	Very large vessel elements and abundant parenchyma cells. Prominent wall.
Herzberg staining	Dark purple.
Graff 'C' staining	Reddish purple.

Botanical classification

Cyperus exaltatus Retz

Order:

Poales

Family:

Cyperaceae

Plant growing area

It grows in tropical south east Asia from India to Japan and southwards to southern Australia.

Bangladesh, Burma, China (Anhui, Fujian, Guangdong, South Guizhou, Hainan, East Hubei, Jiangsu, Jilin, Shandong, Zhejiang), India, Indonesia, Japan, Kashmir, Korea, Malaysia, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.

It grows at altitudes between sea level and 1100 meters, in grasslands, pond margins; it appreciates sandy soil, moist or wet places.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

Korea.

Plant cultivation and use

Cyperus exaltatus is a rhizomatous herbaceous perennial plant which grows in tufts to more than one meter.

Korea:

Cyperus exaltatus is used mixed with paper mulberry fibers as a supplement in the pulp.

Paper names

Used part of the plant:

Stem

Leaf

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Juncus setchuensis Buchenau © Flora of China

Juncus setchuensis Buchenau © CFH Nature Museum

Identification

Fibre type
Average fibre lenght
Average fibre width
Fibre ends
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases
Associated cells
Special features
Herzberg staining
Graff 'C' staining

Botanical classification

Juncus setchuensis Buchenau

Order:

Poales

Family:

Juncaceae

Synonyms:

Juncus setchuensis Buchenau Var. effusoides Buchenau

Plant growing area

China (Anhui, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Shandong, Shanxi, Sichuan, Xizang, Yunnan, Zhejiang), Japan, Korea.

Grows in forests, shaded and wet places on mountain slopes, near ravines, open hillsides, on river and trail sides at an altitude from 300 to 1800 m.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

China, Korea.

Plant cultivation and use

Juncus setchuansis is a perennial plant growing in dense clumps, which is very abundant in the southwest of China.

Korea:

It has been used in combination with the bark of paper mulberry during the Joseon period (1392-1910) as substitute material.

Preparation process for making paper

Korea:

The stems are harvested in late summer or autumn; they are cut into pieces and then soaked for 24 hours in clear water. They are then cooked for 2 hours with lye. Then they are beaten in a blender.

Paper names

Used part of the plant:

Stem

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Juncus effusus var. decipiens Buchenau © J.G. Sturm 1796

Juncus effusus var. decipiens Buchenau © C.Laroque

Juncus effusus var. decipiens Buchenau © Flora Siberia

Juncus effusus var. decipiens Buchenau © T.Taylor

Identification

Fibre type	Grass
Average fibre lenght	2mm (1-3mm)
Average fibre width	70µm (50-90µm)
Fibre ends	Square.
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases
Associated cells	Small taxodiods and cupressoid pits are present in mature fibres.
Special features	Fibres are wide, thin walled.
Herzberg staining	Pink/Purple
Graff 'C' staining	Pink/Purple

Botanical classification

Juncus effusus var. decipiens Buchenau

Order:

Poales

Family:

Juncaceae

Synonyms:

Juncus effusus var. solutus Fern. & Wiegand

Plant growing area

Widespread in temperate and mountainous tropical regions.

Bhutan, China (Anhui, Fujian, Gansu, Guangdong, Guangxi, Guizhou, Hebei, Heilongjiang, Henan, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Jilin, Liaoning, Shandong, Sichuan, Xizang, Yunnan, Zhejiang), Korea, India (Sikkim), Indonesia, Japan, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam.

Grows at forest margins, wet grasslands, morasses, lakes, river banks, fields and rice fields at an altitude from 200 to 3400 m.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

China, Korea.

Plant cultivation and use

Juncus effusus is a perennial plant which grows in dense clumps that can reach 1.5 m in height by 0.5 m in diameter. The stems are straight and smooth, and contain a spongy pith. Roots are rhizomes allowing it to colonize the edges of water. Flowering occurs in summer.

The plant adapts to various types of soils and can grow in heavy clay soils; it needs moist soils and can grow in water and develop in partial shade.

Its leaves are edible and the stem pith is anti-inflammatory, diuretic, and febrifuge.
Stems are used in basketry, mats making and thatching; the straw, called igusa in Japan, is commonly used to make tatami mats, especially in Kumamoto Prefecture. Dried stems can be twisted into ropes. Pith is used as a wick for oil lamps.

The stems are used to produce paper fiber giving an off-white paper. They are used in combination with the fibers of the bark of mulberry trees for making stencil paper.

Korea:

Used in combination with the bark of paper mulberry during the Joseon period (1392-1910) as substitute material.

Preparation process for making paper

Korea:

The stems are harvested in late summer or autumn, they are cut into pieces and then soaked for 24 hours in clear water. They are then cooked for 2 hours with lye and beaten in a blender.

Paper names

Japan:

Suffixes kami, gami, shi = papier.

Au Japon les papiers de kozo sont les plus nombreux.

Used part of the plant:

Stem

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Language:

English

Identification

Fibre type	Straw
Average fibre lenght	1.4mm (0.4 – 3.5)
Average fibre width	8 µm (4 – 16)
Fibre ends	Scalloped or pointed.
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases	Faint fiber wall
Associated cells	Vessel elements relatively small and abundant. Numerous small parenchyma cells in barrel-shaped, with thin-walled. Pitted vessel elements. Epidermal cells in sawtooth-shape. Prickle hairs. Occasional presence of siliceous phytoliths elements.
Special features	Short fibers with thick and narrow walls. Numerous narrow epidermal cells with conical protuberances.
Herzberg staining	Dark purple.
Graff 'C' staining	Reddish blue.

Botanical classification

Oryza sativa L.

Order:

Poales

Family:

Poaceae

Synonyms:

Oryza formosana Masam. & Suzuki

Oryza sativa var. formosana (Masam. & Suzuki) Yeh & Henderson

Plant growing area

There were several centers of domestication in China south of Yangtze, Thailand and northern India.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

Burma, China, Korea, India, Japan.

China:

Anhui, Zhejiang.

Plant cultivation and use

Rice is one of the three main food grasses. It is found from sea level to 2000 meters. It is an annual plant, with a stem topped by a thatch, ranging from one meter to five meters (floating rice).

Rice begins to be cultivated from the Neolithic period (-8000). The wild relative which Oryza sativa comes from is Oryza rufipogon which existence is attested from about 650,000 years.
Oryza sativa is derived from various events of domestication around -5000 in Northern India, and at the border between China and Burma.

Rice is regularly cultivated in China as early as -3000. Its cultivation came to Japan to -1700 and covers most areas in warm tropical Asia.

The straw is an abundant agricultural by-product that finds many uses: papermaking fibers, biomass fuel, mulch for animals etc.

In the paper industry, it is often mixed with long bast fibers to reduce the effect of diffusion of ink in paper. Making paper from rice or wheat straws is simpler than with other materials because they are softer materials, and they require less preparation time.

China:

Su I-Chien (953-996), in the "Phu Weng Fang Ssu" or "Four implements for writing in a scholar's studio" says that rice and wheat straws are used in Zhejiang and produce an excellent paper when mixed with rattan.

The most famous paper containing rice straw is Xuan zhi. This paper is produced in Jing County, Anhui Province. It is made from fibers from the bark of blue sandalwood and rice straw. It is the mixture of the two types of fibers that gives the paper its qualities for painting and calligraphy, in particular the effect of sharp brushstrokes.

Xuan paper is cited in the "Xīn Tángshū" or “New history of Tang” (edited by official scholars of the Song Dynasty), in 1060.

Its manufacture in Jing County dates back to Tang Dynasty (618-907). Neighboring cities around Xuancheng and Taiping were production centers. Jing County during the Tang period was under the juridiction of Xuanzhou prefecture, which gave it its name. Gradually during the Song dynasty (960-1279), papermaking moved essentially towards Jing County because the raw materials were abundant: Ulmus cavaleriei or Pteroceltis tatarinowii is an endemic species there and the rice is grown on site. Originally, rice straw was added as a supplement to reduce the fibrous raw material costs. Other materials such as bamboo are also used during the Song and Yuan dynasties ((1280-1368).

During the Ming (1368-1644), paper was made by mixing rice straw and bamboo : Song Yingxing (1587-1646) in the "Tian Gong Kai Wu" or "Creations of nature and work of man " (encyclopedia dated 1637) mentions the blending of straw with bamboo in the manufacture of wrapping paper.
Currently straw is still one of the most used materials in the production of packaging paper, ceremony papers and sanitary papers.

Japan:

Rice straw was used at the time of mechanization with the search for new materials. These tests were conducted in Kochi Prefecture during the Meiji period (1868-1912).

Straw is also used in the manufacture of paper kairyo hanshi or improved hanshi after the World War II.

In Japan various parts of the straw are used: the highest quality is produced with the portion of the stem that goes from the first node to the head (sube), the second quality is composed of the part below the first node (nakanuki ) and the remainder gives the worst quality (dou).

Rice flour is used to give gloss to the paper and can be mixed with chalk, kaolin to load paper.

Korea:

From the Joseon period (1392-1910), raw materials traditionally used for paper production, mainly bark of Broussonetias begin to fail. Papermakers face to a growing demand for paper stimulated by the development of publications initiated during the Goryeo period (907-1392). Other plants will be used to provide a fiber supplement such as wisteria, rice, oat and barley straws, bamboo, jute, cotton and hemp but also willow leaves, reeds, the bark and needles of pine.

The various straws are used in combination with the bark of Broussonetia. They are additional raw materials to reduce the cost.

Preparation process for making paper

China:

After harvesting and removing of the seeds, the straw is beaten to soften it. Then the stalks are layered with lime in a pit covered with earth during 6 months; this allows rapid disintegration.

The straw is then placed in fine mesh bags suspended from poles in running water to remove the whole lime.

The beating is shorter and less violent than for bamboo or bark pulps.

"Tian Gong Kai Wu" variant: the straw is beaten at first then after immersion in lime water, it is buried in a pit. After disintegration, straw, placed in cloth bags, is rinsed in river.

Japan:

Straw is boiled in caustic soda.

Paper names

China:

Suffixes zhi or chih = paper.

In China, unlike Korea and Japan, papers made with paper mulberry fibers are not prominent, the production of paper from bamboo fiber being the most important.

Japan:

Suffixes kami, gami, shi = paper.

In Japan kozo papers are the most numerous.

Korea:

Suffix ji = paper.

In Korea papers made with paper mulberry bark are the most numerous.

Used part of the plant:

Straw

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Language:

Japanese

Local scripture:

いね

イネ

Identification

Fibre type	Straw
Average fibre lenght	1.4mm (0.4 – 3.5)
Average fibre width	8 µm (4 – 16)
Fibre ends	Scalloped or pointed.
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases	Faint fiber wall
Associated cells	Vessel elements relatively small and abundant. Numerous small parenchyma cells in barrel-shaped, with thin-walled. Pitted vessel elements. Epidermal cells in sawtooth-shape. Prickle hairs. Occasional presence of siliceous phytoliths elements.
Special features	Short fibers with thick and narrow walls. Numerous narrow epidermal cells with conical protuberances.
Herzberg staining	Dark purple.
Graff 'C' staining	Reddish blue.

Botanical classification

Oryza sativa L.

Order:

Poales

Family:

Poaceae

Synonyms:

Oryza formosana Masam. & Suzuki

Oryza sativa var. formosana (Masam. & Suzuki) Yeh & Henderson

Plant growing area

There were several centers of domestication in China south of Yangtze, Thailand and northern India.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

Burma, China, Korea, India, Japan.

China:

Anhui, Zhejiang.

Plant cultivation and use

Rice is one of the three main food grasses. It is found from sea level to 2000 meters. It is an annual plant, with a stem topped by a thatch, ranging from one meter to five meters (floating rice).

Rice is regularly cultivated in China as early as -3000. Its cultivation came to Japan to -1700 and covers most areas in warm tropical Asia.

The straw is an abundant agricultural by-product that finds many uses: papermaking fibers, biomass fuel, mulch for animals etc.

China:

Xuan paper is cited in the "Xīn Tángshū" or “New history of Tang” (edited by official scholars of the Song Dynasty), in 1060.

Japan:

Rice straw was used at the time of mechanization with the search for new materials. These tests were conducted in Kochi Prefecture during the Meiji period (1868-1912).

Straw is also used in the manufacture of paper kairyo hanshi or improved hanshi after the World War II.

Rice flour is used to give gloss to the paper and can be mixed with chalk, kaolin to load paper.

Korea:

The various straws are used in combination with the bark of Broussonetia. They are additional raw materials to reduce the cost.

Preparation process for making paper

China:

After harvesting and removing of the seeds, the straw is beaten to soften it. Then the stalks are layered with lime in a pit covered with earth during 6 months; this allows rapid disintegration.

The straw is then placed in fine mesh bags suspended from poles in running water to remove the whole lime.

The beating is shorter and less violent than for bamboo or bark pulps.

"Tian Gong Kai Wu" variant: the straw is beaten at first then after immersion in lime water, it is buried in a pit. After disintegration, straw, placed in cloth bags, is rinsed in river.

Japan:

Straw is boiled in caustic soda.

Paper names

China:

Suffixes zhi or chih = paper.

In China, unlike Korea and Japan, papers made with paper mulberry fibers are not prominent, the production of paper from bamboo fiber being the most important.

Japan:

Suffixes kami, gami, shi = paper.

In Japan kozo papers are the most numerous.

Korea:

Suffix ji = paper.

In Korea papers made with paper mulberry bark are the most numerous.

Used part of the plant:

Straw

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Language:

Chinese

Local scripture:

粳米

Identification

Fibre type	Straw
Average fibre lenght	1.4mm (0.4 – 3.5)
Average fibre width	8 µm (4 – 16)
Fibre ends	Scalloped or pointed.
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases	Faint fiber wall
Associated cells	Vessel elements relatively small and abundant. Numerous small parenchyma cells in barrel-shaped, with thin-walled. Pitted vessel elements. Epidermal cells in sawtooth-shape. Prickle hairs. Occasional presence of siliceous phytoliths elements.
Special features	Short fibers with thick and narrow walls. Numerous narrow epidermal cells with conical protuberances.
Herzberg staining	Dark purple.
Graff 'C' staining	Reddish blue.

Botanical classification

Oryza sativa L.

Order:

Poales

Family:

Poaceae

Synonyms:

Oryza formosana Masam. & Suzuki

Oryza sativa var. formosana (Masam. & Suzuki) Yeh & Henderson

Plant growing area

There were several centers of domestication in China south of Yangtze, Thailand and northern India.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

Burma, China, Korea, India, Japan.

China:

Anhui, Zhejiang.

Plant cultivation and use

Rice is one of the three main food grasses. It is found from sea level to 2000 meters. It is an annual plant, with a stem topped by a thatch, ranging from one meter to five meters (floating rice).

Rice is regularly cultivated in China as early as -3000. Its cultivation came to Japan to -1700 and covers most areas in warm tropical Asia.

The straw is an abundant agricultural by-product that finds many uses: papermaking fibers, biomass fuel, mulch for animals etc.

China:

Xuan paper is cited in the "Xīn Tángshū" or “New history of Tang” (edited by official scholars of the Song Dynasty), in 1060.

Japan:

Rice straw was used at the time of mechanization with the search for new materials. These tests were conducted in Kochi Prefecture during the Meiji period (1868-1912).

Straw is also used in the manufacture of paper kairyo hanshi or improved hanshi after the World War II.

Rice flour is used to give gloss to the paper and can be mixed with chalk, kaolin to load paper.

Korea:

The various straws are used in combination with the bark of Broussonetia. They are additional raw materials to reduce the cost.

Preparation process for making paper

China:

After harvesting and removing of the seeds, the straw is beaten to soften it. Then the stalks are layered with lime in a pit covered with earth during 6 months; this allows rapid disintegration.

The straw is then placed in fine mesh bags suspended from poles in running water to remove the whole lime.

The beating is shorter and less violent than for bamboo or bark pulps.

"Tian Gong Kai Wu" variant: the straw is beaten at first then after immersion in lime water, it is buried in a pit. After disintegration, straw, placed in cloth bags, is rinsed in river.

Japan:

Straw is boiled in caustic soda.

Paper names

China:

Suffixes zhi or chih = paper.

In China, unlike Korea and Japan, papers made with paper mulberry fibers are not prominent, the production of paper from bamboo fiber being the most important.

Japan:

Suffixes kami, gami, shi = paper.

In Japan kozo papers are the most numerous.

Korea:

Suffix ji = paper.

In Korea papers made with paper mulberry bark are the most numerous.

Used part of the plant:

Straw

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Language:

French

Identification

Fibre type	Straw
Average fibre lenght	1.4mm (0.4 – 3.5)
Average fibre width	8 µm (4 – 16)
Fibre ends	Scalloped or pointed.
Striations, cross-markings, flexion creases	Faint fiber wall
Associated cells	Vessel elements relatively small and abundant. Numerous small parenchyma cells in barrel-shaped, with thin-walled. Pitted vessel elements. Epidermal cells in sawtooth-shape. Prickle hairs. Occasional presence of siliceous phytoliths elements.
Special features	Short fibers with thick and narrow walls. Numerous narrow epidermal cells with conical protuberances.
Herzberg staining	Dark purple.
Graff 'C' staining	Reddish blue.

Botanical classification

Oryza sativa L.

Order:

Poales

Family:

Poaceae

Synonyms:

Oryza formosana Masam. & Suzuki

Oryza sativa var. formosana (Masam. & Suzuki) Yeh & Henderson

Plant growing area

There were several centers of domestication in China south of Yangtze, Thailand and northern India.

Use area in the manufacture of paper

Burma, China, Korea, India, Japan.

China:

Anhui, Zhejiang.

Plant cultivation and use

Rice is one of the three main food grasses. It is found from sea level to 2000 meters. It is an annual plant, with a stem topped by a thatch, ranging from one meter to five meters (floating rice).

Rice is regularly cultivated in China as early as -3000. Its cultivation came to Japan to -1700 and covers most areas in warm tropical Asia.

The straw is an abundant agricultural by-product that finds many uses: papermaking fibers, biomass fuel, mulch for animals etc.

China:

Xuan paper is cited in the "Xīn Tángshū" or “New history of Tang” (edited by official scholars of the Song Dynasty), in 1060.

Japan:

Rice straw was used at the time of mechanization with the search for new materials. These tests were conducted in Kochi Prefecture during the Meiji period (1868-1912).

Straw is also used in the manufacture of paper kairyo hanshi or improved hanshi after the World War II.

Rice flour is used to give gloss to the paper and can be mixed with chalk, kaolin to load paper.

Korea:

The various straws are used in combination with the bark of Broussonetia. They are additional raw materials to reduce the cost.

Preparation process for making paper

China:

After harvesting and removing of the seeds, the straw is beaten to soften it. Then the stalks are layered with lime in a pit covered with earth during 6 months; this allows rapid disintegration.

The straw is then placed in fine mesh bags suspended from poles in running water to remove the whole lime.

The beating is shorter and less violent than for bamboo or bark pulps.

"Tian Gong Kai Wu" variant: the straw is beaten at first then after immersion in lime water, it is buried in a pit. After disintegration, straw, placed in cloth bags, is rinsed in river.

Japan:

Straw is boiled in caustic soda.

Paper names

China:

Suffixes zhi or chih = paper.

In China, unlike Korea and Japan, papers made with paper mulberry fibers are not prominent, the production of paper from bamboo fiber being the most important.

Japan:

Suffixes kami, gami, shi = paper.

In Japan kozo papers are the most numerous.

Korea:

Suffix ji = paper.

In Korea papers made with paper mulberry bark are the most numerous.

Used part of the plant:

Straw

Use for paper making:

Fiber

Primary tabs

Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent.

Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaudich.

Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent.

Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent.

Cannabis sativa L.

Hibiscus cannabinus L.

Cyperus exaltatus Retz

Juncus setchuensis Buchenau

Juncus effusus var. decipiens Buchenau

Oryza sativa L.

Oryza sativa L.

Oryza sativa L.

Oryza sativa L.

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Primary tabs

Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent.

Boehmeria nivea (L.) Gaudich.

Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent.

Broussonetia papyrifera (L.) L’Hér. ex Vent.

Cannabis sativa L.

Hibiscus cannabinus L.

Cyperus exaltatus Retz

Juncus setchuensis Buchenau

Juncus effusus var. decipiens Buchenau

Oryza sativa L.

Oryza sativa L.

Oryza sativa L.

Oryza sativa L.

Pages