Types of Paper: 

Xuan paper (宣纸), often known as rice paper, is a traditional Chinese paper prized for its strength, absorbency, and longevity. It originated from Jing County (泾县) in Anhui Province, and is handmade using the bark of the blue sandalwood tree (青檀树皮), along with straw pulp and sometimes other plant fibres. The process is highly refined and can take weeks, involving over a hundred steps.

Maobian paper (毛边纸), sometimes called grass paper, is less refined and more affordable. It is often made from recycled materials, wheat straw, or bamboo fibres, and was traditionally used for practice or drafts. Though less durable than Xuan paper, it is widely used for student work and casual calligraphy.

Finishes of Paper: 

Untreated/Unsized 生/Sheng

• Highly absorbent
• Ink and colours spread easily
• Ideal for freehand (xieyi) painting and expressive calligraphy
• Not suitable for precise detail or layering

Treated/Sized 熟/ Shu

• Treated with alum and gelatin, making it less absorbent
• Ink stays more on the surface, allowing for finer detail
• Suitable for gongbi (meticulous) painting and regular script calligraphy
• Less prone to blotting or bleeding

Semi-Treated/Semi-Sized – 半生熟 / Ban Sheng Shu

• A balance between untreated and treated paper
• Moderately absorbent, allowing both expressive brushwork and some control
• Versatile for artists who want the freedom of untreated paper with some stability of treated paper

Care for Environment & Earth:

• After you've finished your watercolour painting or calligraphy practice, the used paper can generally be disposed of in the recycling bin.
• However, please refer to your local council or borough's recycling guidelines, as regulations may vary depending on the type of ink or paint used.