Xuan paper originated in ancient China, and is renowned for its softness and delicate texture, making it ideal for expressing the artistry of Chinese calligraphy and painting.

Xuan paper was first mentioned in an ancient Chinese book History of Famous Paintings across Dynasties. It was originally created in Jing county, Anhui province, during the Tang Dynasty, which fell under the administration of Xuan Prefecture (Xuanzhou), from where the name was derived.

The distinct water quality and mild climate of Jing county are two essential elements in the art of producing Xuan paper. Made from the resilient bark of the Blue Sandalwood tree and rice straw, Xuan paper is recognized for its durability, smooth texture, high water absorbency, and ink-softening properties, and can be folded multiple times without tearing. It has been extensively used in painting, book printing, and calligraphy.

The conventional production process has been passed down orally over generations and is still practiced today, performed entirely by hand through more than a hundred steps such as steeping, washing, fermenting, bleaching, pulping, drying and cutting – all of which takes more than two years. Genuine expertise in the intricate process is achieved only through a lifetime of dedicated commitment. Xuan paper is still closely associated with the area, where numerous artisans continue to practice the craft.

The majority of ancient Chinese books and paintings by famous painters that survive today are well preserved on Xuan paper. Xuan paper won the Golden Award at the Panama International Exposition in 1915. In 2009, the traditional handicraft of making Xuan paper was inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.