The Argaelee Handmade Papers and Products have been used since time immemorial. Some people say that it is the "king paper" because of its quality. Looking back at the history of this paper, according to research, the Buddhist text 'Karnya Sutra', currently treasured in the national Archives in Katmandu, Nepal is written in Argaelee handmade paper in the Lichhawi script, sometime between the first and the ninth century AD. This proves the strength and long life of this paper. The glaze of this paper shows even without rigorous treatment as given to other chemically treated handmade papers. The raw material necessary to make this hand-made paper is the "ARGAELEE [LOKTA]" plant of Daphne species which is found in the hilly regions from 3000 feet to 10,500 feet above the sea level. The bark of the pruned branches of this shrub is used for making paper pulp [We call it the GREEN PAPER, due to its eco-friendliness and absence of acids, toxins and chemicals. Besides, no plant is destroyed in the entire pulp extraction process]. No plant is destroyed in the entire papermaking process. In fact, the pruning of the branches facilitates faster regeneration and growth of this plant, thereby enabling a sustainable man-environment growth.
The paper made from this plant is exceptionally durable, resistant to decay, free of acid and toxins and is ideal for multiple decorative and archival purposes. Almost all Buddhist sacred text writers prefer this paper to write their manuscripts because of its durability. Argaelee paper is available in vibrant colors and varied textures.
This paper is made from virgin pulp and not a product of acidic and chemically treated recycled paper. Each process of the papermaking is labor intensive. In the modern times this handmade paper is used for a variety of purposes like cards, handbags, flyers & brochures, journals, stationery items, gift packets etc. other than writing sacred texts. Due to the strength and the texture of this paper designers are using this paper for creating modern paper craft, which is in great demand the world over.
It is no wonder that people who have used this paper and products call it, “The Royal Paper, A Paper of Dignity and Honor”.
The making of Nepali handmade or Lokta paper is an ancient skill passed down through generations, dating back more than a thousand years. The inner fibrous bark of the shrub is harvested, dried and cooked. Then, the softened bark is washed and cut into small pieces and cooked again. This soft, cooked bark is placed on a flat stone and beaten to a fine pulp. Water is then combined with the pulp to form a homogeneous emulsion. This new pulp mixture is poured into a wooden frame that floats on a pool of water. The frame is gently shaken to spread the pulp evenly, then set to dry in the sun. Once the mixture has dried, a sheet of paper is peeled off the frame.
Nepali handmade or Lokta paper is prized not only for its beauty, but also for its multiple uses. Prior to the Chinese annexation of Tibet , family-run factories in the Himalayas supplied paper to Tibetan monasteries for sacred manuscripts. Nepalese still use Lokta paper today for official government documents, bandages to heal minor cuts and wounds, and for wrapping paper to retain the potency of incense, spices and medicine.
We conduct a two day workshop “ARGAELEE CAN BE” for hobbyists and visiting tourists. If you happen to visit the Himalayan Hills of Sikkim, Darjeeling or Kalimpong, do drop in for a two day visit and workshop our paper factory amidst the panoramic mountain view of the Kanchenjunga Range. The Paper Factory is located near the ruins of the fortress of Last Lepcha King, King Gaybo Achuk [For Registration and other details contact:
nayapaula.handmadepaper@gmail.com]