By Tengya Art

Introduction: Why Bark Paper Still Matters Today

At Tengya Art, our signature Art Core (Unframe) collection begins with a material that predates industrial papermaking by centuries — bark paper. Known in Chinese as “构树皮纸” (paper mulberry bark paper), it is not only sustainable and beautiful but also carries deep cultural, artistic, and ecological significance.

This article takes you behind the scenes into the Detailed Bark Paper Making Process, from forest to fiber, from raw material to wall-ready art. Whether you’re an interior designer, art collector, or simply curious about traditional crafts, you’ll gain insight into why this paper is far more than a surface — it’s a story you can touch.

What Is Bark Paper?

Bark paper is handmade from the inner bark of the Broussonetia papyrifera, also known as the paper mulberry tree. This tree is native to East Asia and widely used in traditional Chinese, Japanese, and Southeast Asian papermaking.

Unlike tree logging, only branches or small trunks aged 1–2 years are harvested, following the “Two Cuts in Three Years” ecological principle — ensuring the tree regenerates healthily.

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Step-by-Step Bark Paper Making Process

1. Selective Harvesting of Bark (Raw Material)

• Paper mulberry branches are manually cut.
• Only young, straight segments are selected for optimal fiber quality.
• Bark is peeled while still fresh to retain flexibility and strength.

Sustainability note: No pesticides or fertilizers are used. The trees regrow naturally.

2. Lime Soaking (Softening & Cleaning)

• The raw bark is soaked in water with natural lime — not acid or industrial bleach.
• This process softens the bark, loosens impurities, and begins the whitening process.
• Duration: 3 to 7 days depending on climate.

This step replaces chemical bleaching found in mass-market paper — preserving the fiber’s natural character.

3. Stripping & Fiber Separation

• Bark is separated into layers: outer bark (coarse, discarded) and inner bast fiber (used for papermaking).
• Fiber strips are then cleaned by hand and sometimes lightly combed or pounded.

The inner bast fiber is the core of bark paper’s tensile strength and translucency.

4. Steam or Boil in Large Pots

• Cleaned fiber is boiled to further break down the cellulose and remove any remaining sap or microbes.
• This is done without chemical additives.

Duration: 4–6 hours
Eco Benefit: Wastewater is fully biodegradable.

5. Hand Beating (Pulp Preparation)

• The softened fibers are hand-pounded on stone or wood boards, transforming them into a pulp mass.
• This labor-intensive step defines the final paper’s softness and uniformity.

Some studios use traditional wooden mallets; others use modern hybrid tools to increase output without sacrificing quality.

6. Sheet Forming by Hand (Mould & Deckle)

• Using a fine mesh screen, artisans dip into a vat of pulp and water, swirling gently to form a thin, even layer.
• Each sheet is formed one by one, without machines.

Variations in swirling motion and drying direction produce unique grain textures — no two pieces are identical.

7. Drying on Wooden Boards or Walls

• Sheets are laid on wooden boards or wall panels to dry naturally under sun and wind.
• No forced heat or mechanical dryers are used.

The result is a naturally wavy, breathable surface with depth and warmth.

8. Finishing: Sizing, Flattening, Optional Tinting

• Depending on the intended use, some sheets may undergo additional sizing (light starching), stretching, or tinting using natural mineral pigments.
• However, Tengya’s Art Core paper is typically left raw to showcase the fiber’s beauty.

Why It’s Different From Machine-Made Paper

Why Bark Paper Is Ideal for Art Core (Unframe)

• Structural Integrity: Its long fibers allow sculpting, folding, and layering without tearing.
• Natural Aesthetic: Raw edges and tonal variation complement unframed presentation.
• Shadow Interaction: Translucent patches create light-shadow interplay in relief pieces.
• Handmade Narrative: Each piece carries visible traces of human touch and process.

Common Questions

Q1: Is bark paper archival?
Yes — when stored in dry, ventilated conditions, bark paper can last for decades without cracking or significant yellowing.

Q2: Is it waterproof?
No. Bark paper is absorbent and should be kept away from moisture. However, its durability comes from fiber interlocking, not surface coatings.

Q3: Can I frame it?
Absolutely — but we believe it’s most beautiful unframed, floating, or in lightbox display where texture and shadows can shine.

Applications Beyond Wall Art

• Calligraphy or painting base
• Cultural souvenirs
• Boutique packaging or handmade journals
• Architectural panels or surface treatments

At Tengya, we focus on transforming this material into three-dimensional storytelling — not just a surface but a living object that grows with the space it inhabits.

Final Thoughts: Material as Message

In the world of Tengya’s Art Core (Unframe), bark paper is not a canvas — it is the art. Its imperfections are intentional, its strength lies in its fragility, and its heritage runs deep.

We believe that returning to ancestral methods isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about choosing authenticity, sustainability, and texture in a world of digital flatness.