Meaning “chewed paper” in French, it is a composite material made of pulped paper mixed with a glue or adhesive paste and other fibrous materials. The term also applies to paper strips that are adhered to or pressed between moulds, or papier-mâché that includes plaster. Its use originated in present-day China, and the technique of crafting objects from it was well-established in Asia over several centuries before being introduced to Europe in the thirteenth century. In Europe, it gradually became a substitute for plaster and stucco in furniture ornamentation, and several finishes were developed for its use. It is now also used in sculpture.
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Khadi Paper
A traditional Indian handmade paper produced from khadi rags.
Albumen Paper
Photographic printing paper that is coated with albumen, or egg white, and salt before being dipped in a silver nitrate…
Patta
A Sanskrit term meaning "cloth."
Multi-Ply Yarn
Yarn that consists of two or more threads twisted together. Plied yarn produces strong and flexible fabric.
Alizarin
An organic compound found in the roots of some madder plants and the chay plant (Oldenlandia umbrella), all belonging to…
ground glass
Glass that has been given a coarse surface finish, usually with a fine abrasive, to be used as the viewfinder…
Bast Fibre
A soft but strong plant-based fibre derived from the inner bark of certain plants such as jute, flax and hemp.…
Kerang
A coarse bark cloth made by women of the Gadaba community in Odisha. The fibres are derived from the inner…