white flax

Ingredients

white flax, quicklime, straw, pure chalk, starch, rice

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

Flax is purified from its reed, moistened, and combed. It is then soaked in quicklime overnight, rubbed by hand, and spread in the sun. This process of soaking and sun-drying is repeated for several days until the flax is perfectly white (p. 19). The material is then pounded in a mortar until no lumps remain and introduced into molds (qalib) made of straw (p. 19). Once formed, the sheets are bound to a wall to dry. Finishing involves applying a powder of chalk and starch, or a glaze of cooked rice water or starch (p. 19-20).

Evidence

"The best white flax is purified from its reed. It is moistened and combed until it softens. Then it is soaked in quicklime a night until morning."

Remarks

The paper-making process described is labor-intensive, focusing on achieving a high degree of whiteness and a smooth, non-absorbent surface for calligraphy. The use of 'quicklime' (p. 19) is a critical chemical step for breaking down the plant fibers. The text also mentions 'old straw' as an alternative raw material (p. 20).