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Method of cutting paper material in China
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Method of cutting paper material in China
Method of cutting paper material in China (after a Chinese illustration). Handcoloured lithograph from Louis van Houtte and Charles Lemaires Flowers of the Gardens and Hothouses of Europe, Flore des Serres et des Jardins de l Europe, Ghent, Belgium, 1867-1868
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Media ID 23182922
© Florilegius/Mary Evans
Bamboo Bark Cutting Flore Hothouses Houtte Lemaire Manufacture Material Method Pith
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This handcoloured lithograph depicts an intriguing scene of the traditional Chinese method of cutting paper material. The illustration, taken from the comprehensive horticultural publication "Flowers of the Gardens and Hothouses of Europe" by Louis van Houtte and Charles Lemaires, showcases the artisanal process with exquisite detail. In the foreground, a skilled craftsman is meticulously cutting bark or pith from a bamboo stem using a sharp knife. The delicate material, likely from the Tetrapanax papyrifer or Chinese paper plant, is carefully placed on a wooden surface. The plant, with its large, glossy leaves, can be seen in the background, providing a lush backdrop to the cutting process. The intricacy of the Chinese papermaking technique is evident in the image, with the use of bamboo stems as a source of raw material. The pith, or inner layer of the bamboo stem, is extracted and then pulped, creating a fibrous substance that is then spread onto a flat surface and pressed to form sheets of paper. This method has been used in China for over 2,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuous paper-making traditions in the world. The handcoloured lithograph, produced in Ghent, Belgium, in 1867-1868, offers a rare glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of Chinese papermaking. The vibrant colours and intricate details bring the scene to life, transporting us back in time to witness this ancient craft in action.
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