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Barking Mulberry — Raw Material Harvesting for Hanji
This blueprint explains the method of harvesting bark from mulberry trees (Broussonetia papyrifera), the first step in hanji (韓紙) production. It covers the entire process from appropriate felling timing, bark removal, separation of outer bark and inner bark, drying, and storage. This is the raw material acquisition technique that serves as the starting point for traditional Korean hanji papermaking craft.
Beginner
4-6 hours
Instructions
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Understanding the Paper Mulberry Tree
Understanding the Paper Mulberry Tree
The paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) is a deciduous tree in the mulberry family that grows 3-10 meters tall. Its leaves are large and rough, with fine hairs on young branches. It grows throughout Korea and is cultivated specifically for hanji (traditional Korean paper) in Jeolla-do and Gyeongsang-do provinces.
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Determining the Harvesting Period
Determining the Harvesting Period
Paper mulberry harvesting is done between November and January, after all leaves have fallen. During this period, sap flow has stopped so the bark peels off cleanly, and fiber quality is at its best. Branches cut in spring or summer have weak fibers.
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Selecting 1-3 Year Old Branches
Selecting 1-3 Year Old Branches
Fibers for hanji are obtained from 1-3 year old branches. Select straight branches with few side shoots, 1.5-3 cm in diameter. Branches older than 3 years have coarse fibers, and branches younger than 1 year yield too little material.
Materials for this step:
Paper Mulberry Branches (1-3 year)20 pieces4
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Cutting the Branches
Cutting the Branches
Cut at 5-10 cm above ground level using pruning shears or a sickle. Cutting at an angle prevents rainwater from pooling and rotting the stump. New branches will grow from the same stump the following year.
Tools needed:
Pruning Shears
Sickle5
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Cutting Branches to Uniform Length
Cutting Branches to Uniform Length
Cut the harvested branches to 1-1.2 meter lengths. This is the standard length used in hanji production. Remove all side branches.
Tools needed:
Saw6
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Bundling the Branches
Bundling the Branches
Bundle 20-30 cut branches together. Tie them at both ends and in the middle with straw or twine. Bundles that are too large will not fit in the steaming pot.
Materials for this step:
Binding Twine3 meters7
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Steaming the Branches
Steaming the Branches
Place water in a large pot or drum and stand the paper mulberry bundles upright on top. Cover with a lid and steam for 2-3 hours. Steaming softens the bark so it peels off cleanly.
Materials for this step:
Water for Steaming30 litersTools needed:
Large Steaming Pot or Drum
Firewood8
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Stripping the Bark
Stripping the Bark
While the steamed branches are still warm, make a knife cut at the top and pull downward — the bark will strip off in one piece. Hold the branch with one hand and pull the bark with the other. Work quickly as the bark becomes difficult to peel once it cools.
Tools needed:
Small KnifeWork Gloves (Cotton)
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Separating the Black Bark (Heukpi)
Separating the Black Bark (Heukpi)
The stripped bark consists of an outer black layer (heukpi) and an inner white layer (baekpi). Scrape off the black bark with a knife. If black bark remains, it will cause dark spots in the hanji, so it must be thoroughly removed.
Tools needed:
Scraping Knife10
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Inspecting the White Bark (Baekpi)
Inspecting the White Bark (Baekpi)
The white bark with the black bark removed is cream to light brown in color. When torn by hand, long tough fibers are visible. This is the bast fiber that is the raw material for hanji. Longer fibers produce stronger hanji.
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Washing the White Bark
Washing the White Bark
Wash the white bark in cold running water to remove residual debris and sap. Rub gently while washing, taking care not to damage the fibers.
Materials for this step:
Clean Water20 litersTools needed:
Washing Basin12
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Drying the White Bark
Drying the White Bark
Spread the washed white bark and dry in sunlight. Hang on a clothesline or spread on a bamboo rack. Dry for 2-3 days until completely dry. Bring in immediately if it rains.
Tools needed:
Drying Rack
Clothesline13
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Checking the Drying State
Checking the Drying State
Fully dried white bark is stiff and lightweight, making a snapping sound when bent. If any moist areas remain, mold can grow, so it must be completely dried.
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Bundling and Storing the Dried White Bark
Bundling and Storing the Dried White Bark
Neatly gather the dried white bark and tie with twine. Store in a cool, well-ventilated location. If protected from moisture and direct sunlight, it can be stored for over a year. Soak in water before use.
Materials for this step:
Binding Twine2 meters15
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Managing the Paper Mulberry Stumps
Managing the Paper Mulberry Stumps
After harvesting, remove weeds around the stump. A healthy stump will produce 5-8 new branches in spring. It can be harvested again after 3 years, and a single stump can be harvested repeatedly for over 30 years.
Materials
4- 20 piecesPlaceholder
- 5 metersPlaceholder
- 30 litersPlaceholder
- 20 litersPlaceholder
Tools Required
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