Mulberry paper urns
In northern Thailand grows a remarkable tree: the mulberry tree. What makes it special is that, after the rainy season, the bark can be easily peeled away, after which it immediately grows back. This characteristic was discovered hundreds of years ago by the Karen tribe, who live in the far north of Thailand. The leaves of the mulberry tree provide food for silkworms, and the bark forms the basis for mulberry paper. The tree grows in the wild, but is also planted for the production of this beautiful paper.
Assortment of mulberry paper urns
Handmade in Thailand
Our paper is produced using the most traditional methods imaginable. The bark is boiled and pulped into a soft pulp, which is then dissolved in water. Skilled craftsmen spread this mixture evenly by hand onto large frames, a technique passed down through generations. To create a natural look, flower petals or dried leaves are added, making each sheet of paper unique.
The sheets are then left to dry slowly in the sun. Once dry, they are carefully removed from the frames, smoothed out and meticulously checked for quality. The paper is then ready to be dyed or decorated with batik patterns, and subsequently transformed into the products you’ll find in our shop.
All of this takes place in the small, traditional workshops of Northern Thailand. By buying this paper, you are directly supporting the local artisans for whom this is a vital source of livelihood.
