The Papermakers (Dao Đỏ)
2021 11m 4K 1.85
Heritage Shorts #10
In the tenth of a series of short films from Heritage Centre Sapa in association with Open Cinematic, we meet Triệu Chàn Lìn and his wife Lý Thị Khé. The Dao Đỏ of Hà Giang are famed as artisanal paper makers. Bamboo paper manufacturing is thought to have begun in China during the Southern Song Dynasty (1127-1279) and has since been passed down from generation to generation. The paper is used during shamanic rituals, in divination ceremonies and for writing books of history and literature.
The process begins with the collection of a specific variety of wild bamboo (bambusa nutans). Each plant produces a number of new stems annually and grows up to twelve metres tall. The stems grow to their maximum height in their first year, with subsequent growth limited to the production of new side branches and leaves.
The cellulose fibres of young culms are bound together with a natural glue called ‘lignin’. When the lignin is removed and the fibres are separated and reorganised, paper can be produced.
The bamboo is cut into pieces, bundled and soaked in a bath of lime water for between two and three months. The alkali rich water accelerates the decomposing process and breaks down the cellulose. Once the fibres are softened, the bundles are taken out of the water and drained. While the individual bamboo culms are still visible, the fibres are soft enough to be pulped.
The pulp is mixed with water, with a glutinous vine added to the mix which acts as a binding agent. A screen is then double-dipped through the mix, collecting a thin film of fibres. The layers of bamboo are compressed, dried and peeled apart to create individual sheets of natural, organic paper that are soft to the touch, insect resilient and ready for use in ceremony.
The paper offers excellent ink absorption while retaining deep historical and cultural significance.
Screenings
Craft In Focus Festival, Amsterdam - 24/09/22
