The paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera, syn. Morus papyrifera L., Paperbark Mulberry) is a species of flowering plant in the family Moraceae. While in Hawaii we met a ‘Kapa lele’, an artist using traditional methods to create paper by carefully pounding (kapa) the bark of a young paper mulberry tree (wauke). I understand this is common to other areas, and known by other names, such as the paper made in this manner in Samoa.
I have a bowl in my collection made out of B. papyrifera by a friend and fellow woodturner in Los Angeles.
I shared the picture with the Kapa lele and she was excited to see such a large piece of paper mulberry, as most of those trees of that species in her area are harvested before they grow large enough to turn a good-sized bowl.
I am looking for a B. papyrifera blank so I can gift her a bowl. Does anyone here have access to any?
Thanks!
I have a bowl in my collection made out of B. papyrifera by a friend and fellow woodturner in Los Angeles.
I shared the picture with the Kapa lele and she was excited to see such a large piece of paper mulberry, as most of those trees of that species in her area are harvested before they grow large enough to turn a good-sized bowl.
I am looking for a B. papyrifera blank so I can gift her a bowl. Does anyone here have access to any?
Thanks!