Chinese Calligraphy Rice Paper

Chinese Calligraphy Rice Paper is a lightweight, absorbent paper traditionally used for Chinese calligraphy and brush painting. Manufactured from natural plant fibres, which may include rice plant, cotton or mulberry, its responsive surface allows ink and colour to spread and flow, creating the expressive marks associated with traditional Chinese painting techniques. The two sides offer different creative possibilities. Use the smoother surface for controlled brushwork and detailed subjects such as flowers, birds and figures, while the more textured side lends itself particularly well to landscapes and expressive mark making. Its absorbent character makes it an interesting surface for exploring how ink, water and pigment interact with paper.

Beyond calligraphy and painting, lightweight Chinese rice papers can also be explored in printmaking, particularly for delicate hand-burnished relief prints and chine-collé, where thin paper is incorporated into a larger print.

Key Features

Lightweight, absorbent Chinese calligraphy paper

Made using natural plant fibres

Smooth and more textured surfaces for different effects

Responsive to ink, water and colour

Suitable for traditional and experimental techniques

Best For

Chinese calligraphy

Chinese brush and ink painting

Sumi-e inspired techniques

Expressive ink and wash studies

Chine-collé

Light hand-burnished relief printing

Experimental mixed-media work

Please note: This is an art paper and is not edible.