-| Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory |-

Thimpu, Bhutan Jungshi means natural.  Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory was established on 1990 by the government and is about 1.5 kms away from the heart of Thimpu city.

The paper made here is based on unique materials of the Himalaya, the bark of the The Daphne Papyri, which can be found at altitudes of 3,000 feet and above, the bark of the Edgeworthia Papyri, plus various additional ingredients like flowers and leaves (for example from the ubiquitous chili and hemp plants), to add textures and patterns.

As a first step, the bark is soaked in water and boiled, then washed and cleaned to sort the good fibers from the bad.

Next, the material is pounded into a pulp, and mixed with water and vegetable starch made from Hibiscus plant roots.

From this mixture, a thin layer of the pulp is filtered out, using a wooden frame and a bamboo screen which is elegantly shaken in a rhythmic fashion to spread out the material.

The pulp sheets are pressed to squeeze out excessive water, and every single sheet is then spread onto a smooth surface to dry.

The finished paper is further processed, printed and painted on for products like journals, envelopes, paper bags, and lamp shades, amongst others.