Among the profound intangible cultural heritage of our country, there is a skill known as the "Four Treasures of the Study", that is, paper-making. Among the many papers, rice paper is undoubtedly the most brilliant pearl. Xuan paper is a traditional calligraphy and painting paper in China, which is famous for its delicate texture, good ink absorption and strong water resistance. So, there are many types of rice paper, which kind of rice paper is more absorbent? The answer is Shengxuan.
Xuan paper is classified according to the processing method, and is generally divided into three types: raw Xuan, cooked Xuan, and semi-cooked Xuan. Shengxuan, as the name suggests, is rice paper that has not been processed. Its water absorption and water wetting are stronger than those of cooked Xuan and semi-cooked Xuan, so it is easier to produce rich ink rhyme changes when used, bringing infinite possibilities to the creation of calligraphy and painting. This characteristic of Shengxuan has made it the paper of choice for many calligraphers and painters. They took advantage of the water absorption and water immersion of Shengxuan to create paintings and calligraphy works with rich ink colors and far-reaching artistic conceptions.
Cooked rice paper is processed, its paper is hard, and its water absorption ability is relatively weak. Therefore, Shuxuan is more suitable for fine painting and calligraphy creations such as gongbi painting or fly-headed small Kai. This characteristic of Shuxuan makes it play another indispensable role in the creation of calligraphy and painting.
So, what is the difference between raw and cooked xuan? First of all, Shengxuan is more absorbent and water-wetting, which means that when using Shengxuan to create calligraphy and painting, the ink will penetrate into the paper more quickly, producing rich ink rhyme changes. However, due to the weak water absorption ability, the penetration rate of ink is relatively slow, so it requires more detail and patience when creating.
Secondly, there are also differences in the feel of raw and cooked Xuan. Raw Xuan is softer to the touch, while Cooked Xuan is relatively hard. This is one of the reasons why sheng xuan is more suitable for creation, while shu xuan is more suitable for fine gongbi drawings or flyy head small letters.
In general, as a treasure in China's intangible cultural heritage, rice paper has its unique characteristics and uses, whether it is raw or cooked. For calligraphers, painters and enthusiasts, understanding the difference between raw and cooked Xuan can better play the specialty of Xuan paper and create more exquisite calligraphy and painting works. At the same time, we should also cherish and inherit this ancient paper-making technique in our country, so that more people can understand and appreciate the charm of rice paper.