Rice paper

Rice paper

　　The production of rice paper in Yiliang County has a long history and enjoys a high reputation in northeastern Yunnan and northwestern Guizhou, hence it is known as "Yiliang rice paper." The paper is made from the bark of paper mulberry trees. The production process involves steaming a certain amount of paper mulberry bark along with other materials, then pounding them into a fine pulp, which is placed in a pool to ferment. After a certain period, the paper can be made by lifting sheets from the pool using a bamboo screen. The size of the bamboo screen can be adjusted according to the desired paper specifications. Yiliang rice paper is known for its fine texture, white color, thinness, softness, and durability. It has strong moisture absorption and can be preserved for a long time. It is suitable for use in certificates, calligraphy, paintings, and many other purposes. Additionally, it also has special uses such as for fuses, wound dressings, and paper pasting. It has become a sought-after commodity in both urban and rural markets, often in short supply. To increase the production of Yiliang rice paper, it is crucial to protect and develop paper mulberry tree resources in key production areas such as Niujie, Luowang, and Chuanning. (Zhaotong)