A practical B2B guide for sourcing xuan paper (rice paper) in bulk. Learn how to specify grade, size, format, and packaging when writing a purchase order to a Chinese craft manufacturer.
B2B Sourcing Guide
If you are searching for "where to buy rice paper" or "xuan paper wholesale," you likely already know that xuan paper is the traditional calligraphy paper from China. What you may not know is how to specify it correctly on a purchase order: which grade, which size, which format, and what packaging for export. This guide answers those ordering questions directly, without repeating the material comparison between xuan paper and generic rice paper.
In this guide
- Why the order spec matters more than the name
- Step 1: Choose the xuan paper grade (raw, semi-cooked, cooked)
- Step 2: Define sheet size, weight, and format
- Step 3: Set MOQ, packaging, and export documentation
- Supplier checklist: questions to ask before ordering
- FAQ: Rice paper vs. xuan paper, what to order
Why the order spec matters more than the name
Global search data shows that buyers regularly ask "what is rice paper" and "what is xuan paper made of" — questions about identity and material. But once you move past that, the real purchasing question becomes: what exactly should I write on the purchase order? A vague request for "rice paper" can result in sheets that are too thin, too absorbent, or the wrong size for your market. Xuan paper is made from traditional bark fiber (qingpi), and its behavior on the brush varies significantly by how it is processed.
This article focuses on the specification layer: how to select the correct grade, size, format, and packaging when buying xuan paper in bulk from a Chinese craft manufacturer. If you need the material comparison first, read our separate guide on xuan paper vs. rice paper. Here, we assume you already know you need xuan paper — now you need to order it correctly.
Step 1: Choose the xuan paper grade (raw, semi-cooked, cooked)
Xuan paper is categorized by how much sizing (alum) is applied during production. This determines how the ink behaves on the surface. Getting this wrong is the most common sourcing mistake.
| Grade | Ink behavior | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Raw (Sheng) | Highly absorbent, ink spreads quickly | Freehand brushwork (xieyi), expressive calligraphy |
| Semi-cooked (Ban Shu) | Moderate absorbency, controlled bleed | General practice, mixed styles |
| Cooked (Shu) | Low absorbency, ink sits on surface | Fine-line painting (gongbi), detailed work |
For a bulk order, you need to decide which grade matches your end customers. A distributor supplying art schools will likely need raw paper for practice. A gallery or collector-focused buyer may prefer cooked paper for detailed reproduction. A gift channel may want semi-cooked as a safe all-rounder.
At Gu Mo Craft Technology, we produce all three grades. Our Raw Xuan Paper Professional is a traditional bark fiber (qingpi) paper, unprocessed, with controlled ink bleed and thickness consistency verified per batch. It is available in the standard size 69cm x 138cm, with custom sheet sizes available on request.
For student practice and high-volume educational orders, we offer a dedicated Student Practice Xuan Paper — a practical choice when cost per sheet matters more than archival properties.
Step 2: Define sheet size, weight, and format
Xuan paper is traditionally sold in sheets, rolls, or bound albums. Each format serves a different market:
- Sheets — the most common for calligraphy and painting. Standard sizes are based on traditional Chinese dimensions, but international buyers often request metric equivalents.
- Rolls — for continuous practice or large-format works. A roll is convenient for schools and workshops that cut custom lengths.
- Albums — pre-bound books for collectors, gifts, or portfolio work. These are popular in the gift and gallery channels.
When specifying size, be exact. The most common standard is 69cm x 138cm (roughly 27" x 54"), but many manufacturers can cut to your requested dimensions. If you plan to sell to artists who frame their work, confirm the exact finished size after trimming — some paper shrinks or becomes wavy during drying.
Here is a quick selection table:
| Format | Best for | Order spec to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| Sheet | Retail packs, individual artists | Sheet dimensions, pack quantity, edge trimming |
| Roll | Schools, workshops, large works | Roll width, length, core diameter |
| Album | Collectors, gifts, portfolios | Page count, cover material, binding style |
If you are sourcing for the gift or collector market, consider our Bound Xuan Paper Album — a ready-made product that eliminates the need for your customers to mount loose sheets. For large-format needs, our Xuan Paper Roll offers continuous length and can be cut to order.
Step 3: Set MOQ, packaging, and export documentation
Bulk orders require clear terms. Here is what to confirm with any supplier:
Minimum order quantity (MOQ)
MOQ varies by grade and format. For example, our Raw Xuan Paper Professional has a standard MOQ of 200 sheets. Custom sizes or special packaging may require a higher minimum. Always ask for the MOQ in writing before you commit to a price.
Packaging for export
Xuan paper is delicate. Moisture, creasing, and tearing are the main risks in transit. A reliable supplier will use:
- Acid-free tissue or interleaving between sheets
- Rigid backing boards to prevent bending
- Waterproof wrapping (poly bags or laminated cartons)
- Export cartons with clear carton marks (product code, quantity, dimensions)
Ask your supplier to confirm their standard export packing and whether they can customize carton markings for your retail channel.
Documentation and quality approval
Before mass production, a professional supplier should provide a buyer approval document set. This typically includes sample photos, spec sheets, and approval records. At Gu Mo Craft Technology, we follow this process: you approve the samples, we proceed. Inline QC is performed at each production stage, and export-ready packing is standard.
If you need OEM customization — such as your own brand on the packaging or a custom sheet size — confirm the supplier's capability early. We offer OEM customization, gift set design, and bulk export orders for ink sticks, brushes, and paper products.
Supplier checklist: questions to ask before ordering
Key takeaways
- Specify the grade: raw, semi-cooked, or cooked. Don't just say "rice paper."
- Give exact sheet dimensions (e.g., 69cm x 138cm) and confirm if custom sizes are available.
- Choose the format: sheets, rolls, or albums, based on your end market.
- Confirm MOQ, packaging, and documentation before mass production.
Use these questions when evaluating a supplier:
- What grades of xuan paper do you produce? Can you send samples of each?
- What is the MOQ for each grade and format?
- Can you cut custom sheet sizes? What is the lead time for custom sizes?
- How do you pack for export? Can you provide carton marks and shipment documents?
- Do you provide a pre-production sample approval process?
- What quality checks are performed during production?
These questions help you avoid the two most common sourcing problems: receiving paper that does not match your sample, and dealing with damage in transit due to poor packaging.
FAQ: Rice paper vs. xuan paper, what to order
What is the difference between rice paper and xuan paper?
Rice paper is a general term for thin, absorbent papers, often made from various plant fibers. Xuan paper is a specific type from China, traditionally made from bark fiber (qingpi) and rice straw. It is valued for its strength, absorbency, and archival quality. In bulk sourcing, always specify "xuan paper" if that is what you need.
What is xuan paper made of?
Traditional xuan paper uses bark from the wingceltis (qingpi) tree mixed with rice straw. This gives it a distinctive texture and ink absorption. Some modern versions use other plant fibers, but the traditional composition is preferred for serious calligraphy and painting.
What is the standard size of xuan paper?
The most common standard sheet is 69cm x 138cm, but sizes vary by region and use. Always confirm the exact dimensions with your supplier, as "standard" can differ.
Can I buy xuan paper in bulk with custom packaging?
Yes. Many manufacturers, including Gu Mo Craft Technology, offer OEM customization for packaging and sheet sizes. Confirm the MOQ for custom work, as it may be higher than for standard products.
What is the MOQ for xuan paper?
MOQ depends on the grade and format. For example, our Raw Xuan Paper Professional has a MOQ of 200 sheets. Always request the MOQ in writing before placing an order.
Ready to place a bulk order? Contact our export team with your target grade, size, and format. We will send samples and a spec sheet for approval before production.