With a rich cultural history and a variety of modern applications, rice paper can be found in Japanese Shoji screens, Chinese calligraphy artwork, modern collage or multi-media creations and even in Vietnamese spring rolls or gluten-free recipes. Though some rice paper is created from actual rice plants, many forms of rice paper technically are derived from other plants. Whatever it is called, the distinct cultural medium adds beauty -- and taste -- wherever it is used.
Rice Paper Craft Projects
Whether used in decoupage, scrapbooking, crafts or senior art projects, rice paper is extremely versatile as a craft medium. Its variety of textures, thickness and colors make it an appealing element for amateur and professional art. While the paper itself is often featured prominently in works of art, it can also serve as a drawing or painting material, working well with sketches and watercolors alike.
Rice Paper Traditional Art
More specialized, the ancient aesthetic of rice paper is beautifully proclaimed through its delicate role in traditional Chinese calligraphy. The traditional practice requires brushes, paint and rice paper to depict Chinese characters beautifully and expressively. Writing Chinese calligraphy requires patient learning of brush techniques. For Chinese calligraphy, the rice paper should be absorbent and fine. Proper mounting of Chinese calligraphy is important to prevent wrinkling of the rice paper.
Rice Paper Home Decor
The sliding doors and screens of Japanese homes that are made of paper are, in fact, made of rice paper. Whether you live in Japan or whether you are introducing Asian design elements into your home decorating, rice paper can be found in Shoji room dividers and lamps, screens and window coverings. These traditional pieces of decor do not have to be expensive, and can be crafted to fit the size and proportions that your room requires.
Edible Rice Paper
Some rice paper is edible, found wrapped around spring rolls, folded over as dumplings, or provided for Celiac disease sufferers in gluten-free recipes as a substitute for wheat ingredients. While Vietnamese spring rolls use edible rice paper, homemade sugar cookies can benefit, too, by placing decoratively folded rice paper on top of the cookie. Whether it is used as an essential ingredient in an Asian recipe or a charming addition to a classic American cookie, rice paper in the kitchen proves a delicious treat.
