The Cypress papyrus plant grows in the Nile's fresh water. It has long roots and stems and the ancient Egyptians used it in building ships and making papyrus paper. The outer bark of the papyrus plant is removed and the inner pith sliced into thin strips, which are subsequently hammered to break the fibre's and drain the water. They are then re-immersed into ordinary water for three days until the fibre's become flexible and transparent. The papyrus strips are then cut to the required length and placed on a piece of cotton, each at a slight overlap making two layers, one horizontal and the other vertical. The papyrus sheets are put between two pieces of cardboard and placed under a hand press until dry. The cardboard is changed every eight hours and the drying process takes about three days. Finally, the papyrus sheets are ready for painting and are given to qualified artists. The mediums used are inks, oils gouache, although it is also possible to write, typewrite and draw on papyrus. |
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| Chariot of Ramsess II - Handmade papyrus - Free Shipping $7.95 | | | The Princess on the boat - Handmade papyrus - Free Shipping $7.95 | ||
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| Tutankhamon and his wife - Handmade papyrus - Free Shipping $7.95 | |||||
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