Zhi Pi
Time-Honored BrandZhi Pi · Shandong · Founded
Zhi Pi, a traditional handmade paper craft from Shandong, uses mulberry bark to produce sturdy, ink-absorbent paper. With roots in the Ming Dynasty, this ancient technique embodies the wisdom of Chinese folk craftsmanship and carries significant cultural heritage.
Brand Story
Zhi Pi, a handmade paper-making technique from Shandong, traces its origins to the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). According to local records, the region's abundant mulberry trees led artisans to use mulberry bark as raw material. Through processes of soaking, steaming, pounding, and sheet-forming, they created paper known for its toughness and excellent ink absorption, ideal for calligraphy and painting. During the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), the craft flourished in central and southern Shandong, with family workshops producing paper named 'Zhi Pi' (literally 'paper skin') for its thin, skin-like quality. In the Republic era (1912-1949), Zhi Pi paper was exported as a local specialty, but the rise of machine-made paper led to its decline. Today, only a few elderly artisans retain the full craft. Its cultural value lies in preserving a living example of ancient paper-making, showcasing the ingenuity of Shandong folk artisans. Notable figures include Master Zhang of the late Qing, who improved the steaming method to enhance paper whiteness, as recorded in the 'Shandong Craft Chronicle' (to be verified).
Signature Products
Made from mulberry bark, this paper is flexible and highly ink-absorbent, ideal for calligraphy and painting. (50-200 RMB per dao)
Hand-finished letter paper with natural texture, suitable for correspondence or inscriptions. (30-100 RMB per album)
Semi-transparent with good light transmission, used for traditional lantern making. (20-80 RMB per sheet)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Shandong（山东）
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Cultural Note
Zhi Pi follows ancient methods, including material selection, soaking, steaming, rinsing, pounding, sheet-forming, pressing, and drying—all done by hand without chemical additives. The paper features uniform fiber distribution and high toughness, reflecting the eco-friendly philosophy and artisan spirit of traditional Chinese paper-making. The craft is passed down through master-apprentice relationships and now faces the risk of extinction, requiring urgent preservation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "China Time-Honored Brand" (中华老字号)?
A China Time-Honored Brand is a designation by China’s Ministry of Commerce for brands with a long history that inherit products, craftsmanship or services across generations and have operated continuously to the present.
When was Zhi Pi founded?
Zhi Pi was founded in null, originating in Shandong, Shandong, primarily in the Crafts field.
What is the signature product of Zhi Pi?
Its signature product is Mulberry Bark Paper. See the "Signature / Buy Online" section on this page for more products and shopping links.
Where can I find the official list of China Time-Honored Brands?
You can log into the MOFCOM "China Time-Honored Brand Information Management System", or browse this site’s brand directory — we have profiled 1,451 time-honored brands.
Sources / References
Brand fundamentals (founding year, heritage level, recognition batch) follow official sources such as the MOFCOM time-honored brand list. Story and encyclopedia: