Wenzhou Bark Fiber Paper

    Wenzhou bark fiber paper technology is a kind of paper made from mulberry bark as the primary raw material. In the Tang Dynasty, it has become a tribute, and can truly reflect the ink color in painting and calligraphy. It was a precious commodity in ancient times. The development of the paper industry in recent generations has impacted the craftsmanship of handicrafts.

    However, in recent years, the rise of the cultural industry and the resurgence of traditional culture have brought some new vitality to the traditional paper industry.

 

    This experience studio is located in Lucheng, Wenzhou, and has opened up a small house on a busy street. The boss is the inheritor of Wenzhou bark paper technology, with ancestors involved in the paper industry. The boss himself is also engaged in the design industry, initially transforming papermaking culture into cultural and creative products, and later opening a papermaking experience studio.

    Wenzhou papermaking is passed down from our ancestors, and we should carry it forward ourselves. This year, cultural and creative industries and intangible cultural heritage processes are relatively popular, so the inheritance can also help entrepreneurship. Therefore, an experienced museum was opened three years ago.

    The production of Wenzhou bark paper involves about six steps: first, collecting bark, pounding it into the mud, and then placing it for fermentation. The materials in the experience studio are already fermented, and after being put into water, subsequent processes can proceed. The next step is to salvage the fibers, decorate them, and dry them.

With the development of technology and continuous improvement of paper-making tools, machines are now used to press out excess moisture and dry the paper. However, the paper produced by the machine will become thinner and more brittle, but on the other hand, the machine also improves the efficiency of manual production.

    The handicraft of Wenzhou bark paper is irreplaceable, and machinery cannot create the feeling of handwork. Machinery has also brought convenience to this technology, with some tools replaced with modern ones, improving efficiency and completeness.

    The final paper product can be made into many derivative products, such as lamps, books, and so on. These derivative cultural products have also attracted many tourists to experience them.

    It is more attractive for parents and children to come, as well as college students, couples, and the like. However, there are relatively few middle-aged people, who generally come to buy some cultural and creative products and leave without personally experiencing them.

    In fact, the paper may be able to relate to building materials. Paper can be freely controlled in thickness during manufacturing and can have various shapes. When I was experiencing paper making, I met many children whose decorations were irregular and not deliberately designed, but they were also beautiful. Perhaps the design of buildings should also return to nature.