Naxi Dongba Papermaking Technique
On a wooden table in Lijiang, Yunnan province, dark bark is separated from softened plant fibers — the result of days of soaking and the first of many labor-intensive tasks. This step is critical in the centuries-old tradition of Dongba papermaking, which produces handmade paper once used for scriptures and paintings.
The main raw material is the bark of the Wikstroemia shrub, known locally as raohua, which grows at altitudes above 2,200 meters. Its strong fibers and natural resistance to insects give the finished paper distinct durability. The shrub grows no taller than 1 to 1.3 meters, with branches no thicker than a thumb, and has a natural lifespan of 13 to 15 years. If cut before it dies, it regrows sustainably. Only the inner layer of bark is used, as the outer layer is brittle and tears easily.
In the traditional process, the bark is boiled twice. The first boiling, about a day, loosens the outer layers. The second boiling lasts five to six days — sometimes longer — to break down the fibers until soft and pliable. Between boilings, the bark is washed, left to ferment, and washed again. The process requires at least 34 procedures; skipping any affects the paper’s cohesion. More elaborate methods can involve over 90 steps, with repeated washing, fermentation, and beating for finer texture, though 34 steps suffice for everyday use.
After boiling and fermentation, the softened bark is pounded in a wooden mortar using a foot-powered lever. The pulp is mixed with water in a vat. A bamboo screen is dipped in, lifted, and shaken gently to spread the fibers evenly. Water drains through the mesh, leaving a thin layer of wet pulp. The sheet is pressed, transferred to a wooden board, and dried under the sun. Once dry, it is peeled off by hand.
Dongba paper has a natural ivory color, with visible plant fibers across the surface. Over years, it gradually turns a warm bronze shade. The paper is highly durable: insects do not eat it; it can be soaked in water for a year without falling apart; and when exposed to flame, it smoulders slowly and smells like incense. Its strength and longevity made it ideal for Dongba scriptures and paintings. The paper can be written on both sides, absorbs ink well, and resists insects, allowing ancient texts to survive for generations. In 2003, the ancient Naxi Dongba Literature Manuscripts, often written on this paper, were included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.