Rice Paper Uses
- Rice paper collages are exotic and interesting pieces of art. Rice paper has a light delicate texture, which works well in collage. An artist can tear, twist and mold the paper into a variety of shapes and layer it for different effects.
- Chinese calligraphy is an ancient tradition that uses pen and rice paper. Different types of paper and pen strokes influence the imagery of Chinese characters. Unsized rice paper, known as raw rice paper, is absorbent and has a soft, but slightly coarse, texture.
Sized rice paper, coated with an alum solution, is less absorbent and more coarse. The paper's absorbency determines the finished look of the brush strokes. - Asian cooking is full of recipes that call for rice paper, which is a staple in most Asian markets. Its simple taste and pliability makes it perfect as a wrapper for dumplings and spring rolls stuffed with rice, meats, fish and vegetables. Rice paper can also be colored with food dyes for intricate cake decorations.
- Japanese shades, called Shoji, are fashioned from rice paper. More Westerners are discovering that a Shoji-style shade made from rice paper offers an intriguing alternative to traditional draperies. Rice paper lets light filter into a room, while protecting privacy. These shades are created by stretching rice paper over a wooden frame, which can be attached to the window frame or hung from the top of the window.
