Materials

The paper used as the leaves are usually xuan paper (). This is an absorbent
paper used in traditional Chinese calligraphy and painting. Stronger and better
quality papers may be used for detailed works that involve multicoloured woodblock
printing. The covers tend to be a stronger type of paper, dyed dark blue. Yellow silk
can be used, which is more predominant in imperially commissioned works. The
cover is then backed by normal xuan paper to give it more strength. Hardcovers are
rare and only used in very important books; The silk cord is almost always white.
The case for the books are usually made of wood or bookboard, covered with cloth
or silk and the inside is covered in paper.