Sunn
hemp is a traditional Indian handmade paper made by muslim kagzi
papermakers from North India. This is the paper of the Koran and Islamic
calligraphy. The paper was first made during the Mughal period. The
paper is made from sunn hemp and sized with wheat starch. What is more
fascinating about the paper is the impression of watermark on the sheet
formed by a screen of hollow grass stems, called chapri.
Sunn hemp is one of the earliest and the most distinctly named fibers
of India. The fibers are soft and lignified and have low nitrogen
fertilization requirements. Sunn hemp is highly resistant to root knot
nematodes and the stalks dry out more rapidly after killing frost prior
to harvest.
Sunn Hemp paper is the most wonderful thing. It is of a higher
quality than tree paper and has a higher quality feel to it. No acids
are needed to process sunn hemp into paper. Sunn hemp paper will not
yellow soon after printing like so many tree-based papers do. It lasts
thousands of years. The best thing about handmade sunn hemp paper is
that we no longer need to cut down trees for pulp.
Applications of Sunn Hemp Paper
- Book production and printmaking
- Calligraphy and drawing in ink
- Conservation of Islamic art on paper
- Offset lithography
- Wedding invitations
- Decorative and several crafting projects
