thick, dull paper; high-quality paper; ordinary, thin quality

Preparation Steps

Original Recipe Text

The manuscripts used various paper types depending on the edition. Early printed samples often used grey-scale reproduction on paper that could be of low quality (p. 303). The 'Mai Belt' edition was notable for its use of 'high-quality paper' which contributed to its high cost (p. 305). In contrast, later editions meant for students, such as those by Salisu Kore, used 'ordinary, thin quality' paper to ensure the final product was light and inexpensive (p. 308).

Evidence

"The print is made on the thick, dull paper that was normally used, until fairly recent times, by scribes for handwritten books: the result is a very heavy and probably expensive volume."

Remarks

Paper quality is cited as a factor in the overall 'luminosity' or 'earthy dimness' of the final manuscript (p. 301). Handwritten books traditionally used a 'thick, dull paper' that resulted in heavy volumes (p. 307). The use of paper for talismans (laya) which are carried on the body is also mentioned (p. 296).