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PAPYRUS
Papyrus was made and used by the Ancient Egyptians as early as 4,000BC. Our word paper is derived from the word papyrus. Papyrus is made from the Cyperus papyrus plant which grows abundantly in the fresh water of the Nile. Making papyrus paper is quite an art and the quality and colour of the paper is dependent on the skill of the maker.
How is Papyrus Paper Made?
The outer fibres of the stalk are peeled away and sliced into very thin strips. The strips are then soaked in water to remove the sugar content of the plant. After the water has been drained off, the strips are pounded flat and placed side by side, overlapping slightly. A second set of strips is then placed in the opposite direction to the first, and then pounded again. Some papyrus is made in a woven pattern. The sheet is then put under a heavy weight and left to dry. The length of time that the sheet is left will determine the final colour of the papyrus paper. The longer the papyrus is pressed, the darker the colour. The very dark brown papyrus is left for around 2-3 weeks, whereas the light colour only takes 5-7 days, hence the dark brown papyrus will cost more to purchase. At the end of this process the papyrus is laid out to dry completely. It is then ready for the artists to decorate. The papyrus artists use various mediums to decorate the papyrus – water colours, oils and inks. Due to the nature of the natural fibres and the processes used, the final papyrus paper is sometimes ragged and flakey at the edges.
Dark Papyrus Light Papyrus
Authenticity
All the papyrus paintings that I purchase and sell are guaranteed hand made originals and stamped by the Luxor Institute of Papyrus. I provide a certificate of authenticity with each item (or group of items) sold.
Egyptian Dreams Papyrus
I have many different types of papyrus for sale. Some are traditional Ancient Egyptian scenes, some unusual modern day Cairo street scenes, and some modern artistic representations of the desert, camels and pyramids. Various sizes are available in both dark and light papyrus. If you have a particular scene you would like, please fill in the Enquiry form and ask if it is available.
Ibrahem – my Papyrus agent in Hurghada, Egypt
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