Manual Paper-making Craft of Dai Ethnic Minority

The Traditional Handmade Papermaking Techniques of the Dai (傣族) and Naxi (纳西族) are recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of China. Originating in Lincang City (临沧市) and Shangri-La County (香格里拉县) in Yunnan Province, this craft reflects centuries of cultural exchange, religious practice, and artisanal mastery.

The technique is the result of the integration of Han papermaking methods (抄纸法) introduced to Lijiang (丽江) during the Yuan Dynasty with Tibetan papermaking methods (浇纸法) during the Ming period. Over time, the Dai and Naxi peoples refined these techniques, producing durable, flexible, and culturally significant handmade papers such as Dai Cotton Paper (缅纸) and Dongba Paper (东巴纸).

On May 20, 2006, this tradition was officially inscribed in the First Batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage List of China, with heritage code Ⅷ-68.

Historical Origins

Yunnan Province has a long history of papermaking, dating back at least to the Three Kingdoms period (220–280 CE) when paper first entered the region.

• Yuan Dynasty: Papermaking was already present in Lijiang, although records of Dongba paper were scarce.
• Ming Dynasty: More detailed records appeared. By the mid-Ming, Dai communities had developed papermaking, calling their product “Mian Paper (缅纸).”
• Qing Dynasty: Papermaking flourished in Yunnan, with artisans from Sichuan and Hubei introducing advanced methods. Handmade papers became prized tribute items to the imperial court and were even exported to Vietnam.

This evolution established Yunnan as a center of fine handmade papermaking, blending multiple traditions into a unique regional craft.

Craft Characteristics

The Dai and Naxi papermaking traditions are noted for their use of broussonetia bark (构树皮) and other plant fibers as raw materials.

Dai Paper: Thin, soft, strong, and slightly rough in texture, with a unique wood fragrance. It is resistant to insects, water-absorbent, breathable, and highly durable—lasting decades or even centuries. Common uses include:

• Copying Buddhist scriptures
• Making sky lanterns (孔明灯) and fireworks (高升)
• Producing oil-paper umbrellas
• Crafting ritual items, gift boxes, photo albums, notebooks, and dance props

Naxi Paper (Dongba Paper, 东巴纸): White, thick, insect-resistant, and highly durable. It has been used to preserve over 5,000 Dongba manuscripts, making it invaluable for religious and cultural continuity.

Crafting Process

Dai Papermaking in Lincang (临沧)

The Dai people traditionally favored bamboo for papermaking. Young bamboo shoots collected after Grain Rain (谷雨) and before Grain Full (小满) were ideal for fiber quality. The process included:

1. Preparing bamboo fibers
2. Beating and soaking into pulp
3. Sheet forming using double-water techniques
4. Sun-drying and pressing

Naxi Papermaking in Shangri-La (香格里拉)

The Naxi people used Lijiang Daphne (丽江荛花, Adanda) from the Thymelaeaceae family. The process involved:

1. Collecting and peeling bark
2. Drying, soaking, and steaming with plant ash to soften fibers
3. Washing and beating into pulp
4. Sheet forming with wooden frames
5. Drying, pressing, and finishing

This meticulous process results in the high-quality Dongba Paper essential for scripture preservation and ritual use.

Inheritance and Protection

Cultural Value

The papermaking traditions of the Dai and Naxi represent a fusion of Chinese and South Asian papermaking techniques, making them a living example of cross-cultural craftsmanship. They are crucial for studying early Chinese papermaking and its Southeast Asian connections.

Challenges

Traditionally, papermaking knowledge was transmitted through family workshops and often father-to-son, limiting its spread. With the rise of industrial paper production, these crafts have faced decline and risk of extinction.

Transmission and Key Inheritors

• He Zhiben (和志本, 1928– ) – First-generation national-level inheritor (2006).
• Yu Mengga (玉勐嘎, 2011) – Third-generation inheritor from Lincang.
• Zhou Xiaosan (周小三, 2012) – Fourth-generation inheritor from Lincang.

Protection Measures

• 1992: Establishment of a Dongba papermaking workshop in Lijiang Dongba Cultural Research Institute.
• 2000: Opening of tourism-oriented papermaking workshops producing painting paper, couplet paper, and decorative products.
• 2008: Creation of the Baidi Dongba Papermaking Cooperative and Dongba Cultural Heritage Hall.
• 2019 & 2023: Recognition of Lincang Intangible Cultural Heritage Protection Center and Shangri-La Cultural Heritage Institute as official protection units.

Social and International Influence

Dai and Naxi handmade papermaking has attracted global attention. Scholars, artisans, and businesses from the United States, Korea, Germany, Japan, and Malaysia have visited Yunnan to study or purchase the paper.

In 2014, the Yunnan Nationalities Museum produced the documentary Handmade Papermaking: Dongba Paper and Dai Cotton Paper, further raising awareness of these endangered traditions.

The Handmade Papermaking Techniques of the Dai (傣族) and Naxi (纳西族) are more than craft traditions—they are cultural vessels preserving religion, literature, and memory. From Buddhist scriptures and Dongba manuscripts to festive lanterns and umbrellas, this heritage showcases the ingenuity and artistry of Yunnan’s peoples.

While modern industrial paper threatens their survival, active protection measures, transmission by skilled inheritors, and growing international interest provide hope. Today, these papermaking traditions continue to serve as living testaments to the fusion of Chinese and Southeast Asian craftsmanship, deserving preservation for generations to come.