Craftsman works toward art paper perfection

A paper-making craftsman named Shi Liming in Baoding, Hebei province, has been working on the development of high-quality domestic watercolor paper for more than three decades in the industry.

"Papermaking is one of the four great inventions of our country, but the development of high-end watercolor paper started relatively late," the 53-year-old Shi said.

His factory mainly produces paper for watercolor, sketching, oil painting and industrial use, with great efforts aimed at producing high-quality watercolor paper.

Established in 1992 in the Baoding's Jingxiu district, the Baoding Huarong Paper Factory makes products not only for domestic markets but also for customers in more than 40 countries and regions around the world.

While making the products, Shi endeavors to showcase the excellence of Chinese art and craftsmanship.

At the Baohong Art Museum, which Shi established in Baoding, there are various exhibition areas for multiple functions, including an area for visitors to experience making paper by hand, another for a movable-type printing experience and an art exhibition area.

According to Shi, the museum not only serves as an exhibition hub but also as a cultural landmark that combines paper popularization with art experience.

"I hope the museum will become a prominent destination for paper-related knowledge and artistic experience," he said, adding that he intends to create a world-renowned cultural and creative industry base in China.