Understanding Types of Xuan Paper
Xuan paper (宣纸 Xuānzhǐ), often called “literati paper,” is an essential element of Chinese art, particularly in calligraphy and painting. Originating from Anhui province, this paper is prized for its unique texture and ink-absorbing properties. In addition to the main categories such as:
生宣 (Shēng Xuān): Raw Xuan paper
Raw Xuan paper is the most natural and chemically untreated type of paper. It is particularly appreciated by artists for its high absorption capacity of ink and water, which allows for the creation of blurred effects and subtle transitions.
• High Absorption : Ink diffuses quickly, creating smooth lines.
• Unpredictable Effects : The outlines of the strokes are often blurred, which is ideal for ink landscape paintings.
• Ideal for : Wash paintings (山水画 Shānshuǐ huà) and cursive calligraphy (草书 Cǎoshū).
半生半熟 (Bàn Shēng Bàn Shú): Half-raw, half-treated paper
This paper is a compromise between raw paper and treated paper. It undergoes a partial treatment which slightly reduces its absorption capacity, while retaining certain natural characteristics.
• Moderate absorption : Lines remain sharper than on raw paper, but it is still possible to obtain blurring effects.
• Versatility : Suitable for both calligraphy and painting.
• Best for : Artists wanting a balance between control and spontaneity.
熟宣 (Shú Xuān): Treated Xuan paper
Treated Xuan paper is coated with a product based on alum or other substances that reduce its absorbency. This treatment makes the ink lines sharper and more precise.
• Low absorption : Ink stays on the surface, allowing for clean, precise lines.
• Controlled Effects : Ideal for works requiring fine details or repetitive strokes.
• Ideal for : Regular calligraphy (楷书 Kǎishū), figurative paintings and detailed work.
There are also finer variations that vary in their manufacture, treatment, texture or decoration. Here is a detailed guide to the different variants of Xuan paper to enrich your understanding.
1. Variants depending on the manufacturing
a) 纯皮宣 (Chún Pí Xuān): Pure Xuan paper in bark
• Made exclusively from sandalwood bark fibers (青檀 Qīngtán).
• Very resistant, suitable for long-term conservation works.
• Ideal for: High-end calligraphy and painting.
b) 棉料宣 (Mián Liào Xuān): Cotton blend Xuan paper
• Mixture of bark and cotton fibers.
• More flexible and slightly thicker.
• Ideal for: Painting requiring a soft texture.
c) 夹宣 (Jiā Xuān): Composite Xuan paper
• Multi-layered paper, often with additional backing.
• Enhances durability and reduces wrinkles.
• Ideal for: Large formats and hanging works.
2. Variants according to treatment
a) 双宣 (Shuāng Xuān): Double-sided Xuan paper
• Evenly treated on both sides.
• Allows you to write or paint on both sides.
• Ideal for: Practice books or reversible works.
b) 皮纸宣 (Pí Zhǐ Xuān): Rough Xuan paper
• Textured surface for a particular rendering of the lines.
• Ideal for: Expressive and experimental works.
3. Variations according to texture
a) 单宣 (Dān Xuān): Single-sided Xuan paper
• Treated on one side only, the other being raw.
• Provides controlled absorption on one side.
• Ideal for: Works requiring precise stability.
b) 绢纹宣 (Juàn Wén Xuān): Silk textured Xuan paper
• Paper imitating the weave of silk fabric.
• Provides a unique decorative effect.
• Ideal for: Ornamental calligraphy and exhibition works.
4. Variations according to the decor
a) 洒金宣 (Sǎ Jīn Xuān): Xuan paper dotted with gold
• Contains gold patterns or particles, sometimes mixed with colors.
• It is often used for decorative or formal works.
b) 撒银宣 (Sǎ Yín Xuān): Xuan paper dotted with silver
• Similar to 洒金宣, but with silver particles.
• Ideal for: Modern or elegant works.
c) 粉彩宣 (Fěn Cǎi Xuān): Xuan paper in pastel tones
• Colorful background with delicate shades.
• Ideal for: Floral paintings or soft scenes.
d) Long Wen Xuan: Dragon-patterned Xuan paper
• Paper decorated with traditional patterns such as dragons or clouds.
• Ideal for: Ceremonial or decorative calligraphy.
5. Variants according to color
a) 彩色宣 (Cǎi Sè Xuān): Colored Xuan paper
• Available in a variety of colors.
• Ideal for: Modern or contrasting works.
b) 烟色宣 (Yān Sè Xuān): Xuan paper tinted with gray
• Creates a melancholic and sweet atmosphere.
• Best for: Misty landscape paintings.
6. Variations according to thickness
a) 薄宣 (Báo Xuān): Fine Xuan paper
• Light and delicate, with quick absorption.
• Ideal for: Wash paintings or sketches.
b) 厚宣 (Hòu Xuān): Thick Xuan paper
• Durable and less absorbent.
• Ideal for: Work requiring multiple layers of ink or paint.
The world of Xuan paper is as rich as the art it inspires. By mastering these different varieties, you will be able to enrich your artistic creations and better meet the requirements of your projects.
