Lokta Paper

Lokta paper is handmade from the fibrous inner bark of two species of high elevation evergreen shrubs - Daphne bholua and Daphne papyracea - known collectively as lokta bushes. These plants grow in open clusters on the southern slopes of Nepal's Himalayan forests between 5,000 and 13,000 feet (1,600-4,000 meters). Lokta bushes regenerate in 5-7 years and provide a sustainable, eco-friendly revenue for Nepal's village artisans.

Lokta paper has been used in Nepal since the 12th century. It is durable and resistant to tearing, humidity, insects, and mildew, thus making it the preferred choice for religious and government documents. It is also acid-free and unbleached or hand dyed with naturally-sourced, non-chemical colorants. Once produced, lokta paper can last several millennia. Today lokta paper is used for journaling, scrapbooking, origami, cards, gift wrap, and prayer flags.

Paper Production

The inner bark of the lokta bush is stripped off and cooked for 8 hours to soften and break down the fibers. It is then hand-sifted and pulped to a smooth paste, which is collected on a screen attached to a wooden frame. Once the paste is evenly distributed, the frame is lifted and set aside to dry in the sun. Leaves, flower petals, and seeds can be laid onto the pulp as it dries to create textured or shadow designs. After the paper has dried, it can be dyed, using natural colorants.

Because lokta paper sheets are individually created by hand, thickness, color, and texture may vary between and within single sheets. Edges may be irregular and chipped, or darker in color where sheets were overlapped while drying in the sun. Flecks, creases, and wrinkles are possible. Sheet sizes also vary slightly. We sell our paper as received from the artisans and every sheet is unique!