Fuyang bamboo paper has been used for calligraphy writing in China for centuries. Fuyang is situated in the Zhejiang Province which is known for its abundance of bamboo plantations.

Fuyang is classed as one of the earliest paper making sites in the world. Recently, an ancient paper workshop from the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) was discovered in Fuyang. It is one of the earliest and largest paper making sites uncovered in history to date.

Bamboo paper was first made in Fuyang during the Tang Dynasty (618-907). Villagers found that mashed bamboo created light and durable paper. It was particularly popular throughout the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) with many households involved in the production of bamboo paper. Calligraphers admired the paper’s durability and found that ink did not seep through when too much was applied. It was regularly exported to Japan, Korea and Singapore.

Today, bamboo paper is rarely used in daily life. It has become more of a novelty and a tool for special calligraphic art. There are a number of workshops within Fuyang where tourists can view handmade bamboo paper being made.

The process of creating bamboo paper involves mashing the bamboo canes into a porridge-like consistency. It is then filtered and formed into thin sheets of paper. The sheets are then laid onto hot metal panels and flattened. The end result is thin layers of soft and delicate paper ideal for beautiful calligraphic writing.

Fuyang is classed as “The Paper making village of China”. Its bamboo paper is considered as one of the best materials for calligraphy writing and is exported to many calligraphic artists throughout the world. In 2006, the technique of bamboo paper making was listed among the first group of the state level intangible cultural heritage masterpieces. Hopefully, bamboo paper will continue to be a necessary part of calligraphic art.