handmade mulberry paper
Istanbul
18th Century
Source: Azra Haskovic & Saida Ibragic (2022) Use of Analytical Methods in Revealing the Techniques of Ottoman Calligraphers: An Illuminated Manuscript from the Eighteenth Century, Studies in Conservation, 67:5, 313-326, DOI: 10.1080/00393630.2021.1885785
Recipe Details
Ingredients
mulberry fibers, hemp fibers, egg white, alum, starch
Preparation Steps
The paper is a burnished handmade paper composed predominantly of mulberry fibers (p. 6, 7). Sizing recipes included starch-based mixtures along with egg white, alum dissolved in egg white, or egg white alone (p. 5). The paper was burnished with a specialized glass tool after drying for 24 hours (p. 5).
Original Recipe Text
The paper is a burnished handmade paper composed predominantly of mulberry fibers (p. 6, 7). Sizing recipes included starch-based mixtures along with egg white, alum dissolved in egg white, or egg white alone (p. 5). The paper was burnished with a specialized glass tool after drying for 24 hours (p. 5).
Evidence
"our certain conclusion that the manuscript paper is made predominantly of mulberry fibers, whereas hemp fibers might be present in a minute proportion."
Remarks
The paper is lignin-free as confirmed by phloroglucinol test (p. 8). Sizing lessens the effect of physical factors, creates a barrier to direct contact with corrosive inks, and reduces water absorption and microbial growth (p. 9). Starch provides a water-repellent layer (p. 8).
Scientific Analysis
Chemical CompositionCellulose
Analytical Techniques
FTIR
thin layer chromatography
pH measurement
XRF
optical microscopy
microchemical tests
Certainty Level
Confirmed
Instrumentally Verified
Verified
Metadata
Material Type
paper
BinderAlbumen
Paper Typehandmade mulberry paper
Colorbright/dark non-deteriorated
RegionIstanbul
Approx. Year1750
Source Information
AuthorAzra Haskovic & Saida Ibragic
CollectionIstanbul
Language
N/A
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