⏱ About 2 min read
·
4 sections
The Paper Mulberry Tree
Paper mulberry (楮), a fast-growing plant, can reach heights of 2 to 3 meters within a single year. Its inner bark contains long, strong bast fibers, which are the essential raw material for traditional Korean paper, Hanji. The process of making Hanji involves boiling these fibers in lye to soften them, followed by rinsing in cold water. They are then beaten approximately one hundred times to separate and loosen them before being carefully formed into sheets. This meticulous method relies on natural processes, with very few chemical agents used throughout production.
"Hanji Requires 100 Touches"
This is a common saying among Hanji artisans. From cutting the paper mulberry tree and peeling its bark, to boiling, rinsing, bleaching, beating, forming the sheets, drying, and finally finishing, the entire process involves approximately 100 distinct steps. In comparison, Japanese Washi typically involves around 70 steps, and Chinese Xuan paper about 50 steps. This highlights that even within the East Asian tradition of papermaking, the Korean method is by far the most labor-intensive and meticulous.
Secret to Thousand-Year Preservation
The secret to Hanji's incredible longevity lies in several key characteristics. First, its neutral pH of 6.5 to 7 prevents deterioration from oxidation over time, ensuring it does not crumble with age. Second, the strong entanglement of its long, robust fibers makes it exceptionally tear-resistant and durable. Third, Hanji's porous nature allows it to absorb and release moisture, effectively self-regulating the preservation environment for any documents or books it contains. These unique qualities explain why the Jikji, printed in 1377, remains remarkably clear even after 650 years. Today, prestigious institutions such as Japan's Shōsōin (正倉院) and the Vatican Library actively utilize Hanji as a superior restoration paper.
Paper Through Chinese Characters
The Chinese character for paper, "紙 (ji)," offers insight into its fundamental nature. It is composed of two radicals: 糸 (sà), meaning 'silk' or 'fiber,' and 氏 (shì), which here implies a surface or base. Combined, they literally mean "a surface made from fibers" or "a woven surface of threads." This etymology perfectly encapsulates the very essence of Hanji: the intricate and strong entanglement of its paper mulberry fibers. Indeed, the secret to Hanji's remarkable thousand-year preservation also stems directly from this fundamental fibrous entanglement, a quality embedded in its very name.
