Traditional papermaking in Bhutan, known as Deh-sho, is an ancient craft that produces handmade paper from the bark of the Daphne plant and the Dhekap (Edgeworthia gardneri). Used historically for religious manuscripts, prayer flags, and official documents, the craft is preserved today primarily through the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory in Thimphu. Deh-sho paper is valued for its durability, texture, and cultural significance, and efforts to sustain the tradition include government support, craft education, and the development of commercial products for tourists.
Traditional papermaking in Bhutan, known as Deh-sho (Dzongkha: སྡེ་ཤོག), is one of the oldest and most culturally significant crafts in the kingdom. For centuries, Bhutanese artisans have produced handmade paper from the inner bark of the Daphne plant (Daphne bholua) and the Dhekap shrub (Edgeworthia gardneri), both of which grow abundantly in Bhutan's temperate forests at elevations between 1,500 and 3,000 metres. This paper has been integral to Bhutanese religious and administrative life, serving as the medium for Buddhist scriptures, prayer flags, ritual texts, official correspondence, and legal documents.[1]
The art of Deh-sho papermaking is believed to have been introduced to Bhutan from Tibet and ultimately traces its origins to Chinese papermaking traditions that spread across Asia along Buddhist trade and pilgrimage routes. In Bhutan, the craft became closely associated with monastic culture and the preservation of Buddhist learning. Today, while modern machine-made paper has largely replaced Deh-sho for everyday use, the traditional craft is being actively preserved as both a cultural heritage practice and a niche commercial enterprise, primarily through the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory in Thimphu.[1]
Raw Materials
The primary raw material for Deh-sho paper is the inner bark (bast fibre) of the Daphne plant, locally known as Deh-shing. The Daphne shrub is a flowering plant that grows wild in Bhutan's broadleaf and conifer forests. Its bark produces long, strong fibres that yield paper of exceptional durability and a distinctive slightly rough texture. The second commonly used plant is Dhekap (Edgeworthia gardneri), a related shrub whose bark produces somewhat softer and more pliable fibres. Both species are sustainably harvested from forests, with the bark stripped from living plants in a manner that allows regrowth.
The choice of raw material affects the quality and characteristics of the finished paper. Daphne bark produces a stronger, more textured paper suitable for documents intended to last centuries, while Dhekap bark yields a smoother, more flexible paper preferred for certain types of printing and calligraphy. In some cases, the two fibres are blended to achieve specific properties.
Production Process
The traditional papermaking process is labour-intensive and requires considerable skill. The harvested bark is first soaked in water for several days to soften it, then boiled in a solution of wood ash lye (an alkaline solution) for several hours. This boiling process breaks down the lignin and non-cellulose components of the bark, leaving behind clean cellulose fibres. The boiled bark is then thoroughly washed in running water to remove the lye and residual plant matter.
Once cleaned, the softened bark is beaten by hand using wooden mallets on a stone surface until it separates into individual fibres and forms a pulp. This beating process is physically demanding and requires careful attention to produce a pulp of uniform consistency. The pulp is then suspended in a vat of water, and a framed screen (mould) is dipped into the vat to collect a thin, even layer of fibres. The mould is carefully lifted, and the wet sheet of paper is transferred to a smooth surface or board to dry in the sun.
The drying process can take several hours to a full day depending on weather conditions. The dried sheets are then peeled from the drying surface, trimmed, and stacked. Finished Deh-sho paper has a characteristic natural ivory to light brown colour, a slightly rough texture with visible fibre patterns, and remarkable tensile strength. Properly made Deh-sho paper can last for hundreds of years without deteriorating, a quality that made it ideal for preserving sacred texts.[1]
Cultural and Religious Uses
Deh-sho paper has been central to Bhutanese religious and cultural life for centuries. Its most important traditional use was for the production of Buddhist manuscripts and woodblock-printed texts. Monastic libraries across Bhutan contain thousands of volumes of scripture printed or handwritten on Deh-sho paper, many dating back centuries and still in remarkably good condition due to the paper's durability.
Prayer flags, which are ubiquitous in the Bhutanese landscape, were traditionally printed on Deh-sho paper before cloth became the more common medium. Paper prayer flags are still used in certain religious ceremonies and rituals. The paper was also used for official government documents, correspondence, and legal records during the pre-modern period, and for wrapping offerings and sacred objects in temples and monasteries.
In the traditional Bhutanese arts system known as Zorig Chusum (the Thirteen Arts and Crafts), papermaking is classified under De-zo, the art of papermaking. While not always listed among the most prominent of the thirteen arts, it is recognised as an essential supporting craft that enabled the preservation and dissemination of Buddhist culture in Bhutan.[2]
Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory
The Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, established in 1990 in Thimphu, is the primary institution dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Bhutanese papermaking. Operated with support from the Royal Government, the factory produces Deh-sho paper using traditional methods while also developing new products to sustain the craft economically. The factory is open to visitors and has become a popular attraction for tourists interested in Bhutanese traditional arts and crafts.
At Jungshi, visitors can observe the entire papermaking process from bark preparation to finished sheets. The factory produces paper for a range of purposes including stationery, notebooks, lampshades, gift wrapping, and decorative items. These commercial products help generate revenue to support the factory's operations and the livelihoods of its artisans. The factory also supplies Deh-sho paper for religious and ceremonial use, maintaining the traditional link between the craft and Buddhist practice.[1]
Preservation and Challenges
Like many traditional crafts worldwide, Deh-sho papermaking faces challenges of relevance and sustainability in the modern era. The widespread availability of inexpensive machine-made paper has eliminated most of the practical demand for handmade paper. Younger Bhutanese are increasingly drawn to modern occupations, and the physically demanding nature of papermaking, combined with relatively modest income, makes it difficult to attract new artisans to the craft.
The Bhutanese government has recognised the importance of preserving Deh-sho papermaking as part of the country's intangible cultural heritage. Support is channelled through the Dzongkha Development Commission and the Department of Culture. The craft is taught at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (the school of traditional arts) in Thimphu, ensuring that at least some young Bhutanese receive training in the technique. International cultural organisations, including JICA (Japan International Cooperation Agency), have provided technical assistance to improve production methods while maintaining traditional character.
The development of the tourism market has provided new economic motivation for the craft, as visitors are willing to pay premium prices for authentic handmade Bhutanese paper products. This market-based preservation strategy, combined with institutional support, offers the best hope for the continued survival of one of Bhutan's most ancient crafts.
References
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