Close Window

Thai Mulberry Artisans

In Thailand, making paper from the bark of the mulberry tree is an art form that has resisted the passage of time. Known as saa paper, it is made by hand in an environmentally-friendly process, for the saplings regenerate each year, when it can be cut again. Most importantly, the mulberry trees run their natural life course.

Mulberry trees ( Broussonetia Papyrifera Vent ), abundantly grow in northern Thailand. However, these areas may be difficult to access areas, especially when heavy equipment is needed to steam the bark off the freshly cut branches. The bark is usually collected by villagers and hill tribe people, and it takes a person a full day to harvest just five kilos of quality washed and dried bark. The best quality bark comes off the smallest branches (1-3 inches in thickness).

The paper-making process has been preserved for over 700 years, and it is divided by gender. Men boil the bark in big open cauldrons over a naked flame to soften the fiber. It is left to cool and soak overnight before the water is changed and the fiber is rinsed several times. Natural dyes are added if so required, and the fiber is beaten to a pulp. Depending on the thickness desired, the pulps is either spread in large vats (thin paper) or rolled into balls to then spread on bamboo frames with cotton screens. This part requires great skill and dexterity, so it is usually performed by the women in the family.

The frames are left out in the sun to dry, leaving the paper to from naturally. This means that in the rainy season (June to October), saa paper sourcing and production slows down considerably.

Saa paper first came to be as a filter when making lacquer ware. Eventually Buddhist monks began to use to write their scripts on as well as temple decorations, and eventually its use broaden to parasols, fans, and kites. Nowadays, saa paper is used in a variety of settings, domestic and industrial, including paper towels, wrapping and gift paper, wall paper, lampshades, bookmarks and greeting cards.

Different decorative and printing techniques can be used with saa paper, including decoupage and batik, by carefully pouring wax over the desired designs. When the wax dries, the inlaid designs are painted and then the paper is hung to dry before removing the wax and leaving the painted composition solely on the paper.