Paper fragments from the Tibetan Samye Monastery: Clues for an unusual sizing recipe implying wheat starch and milk in early Tibetan papermaking

The origin of Tibetan papermaking is poorly documented. Up to now, only the paper fragments from Endere and Dunhuang sites have been scientifically studied outlining basic knowledge about plant fiber uses artwork manufacturing procedures. In order deepen on unique ancient papermaking, we report here analysis a set Samye Monastery in south Tibet, China. Multidisciplinary scientific investigations utilizing 14C radiocarbon dating, microscopic observation, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), pyrolysis–gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), pyrolysis-comprehensive gas (Py-GCxGC/MS), proteomic applied these fragments. results show that were dated 12th–13th century CE made fibers Thymelaeaceae family Stellera Chamaejasme L which fiber’s chemical profiles firstly studied. presence starch granules Triticum spp wheat proteins bovine milk (more likely assigned native yak), offers first indication sizing technique using starch-milk had employed early compared alum-animal glue agent more popular contemporary Central combined use organic material (unaltered grains) inorganic (calcium carbonate) as fillers also revealed papermaking. application Py-GC/MS, Py-GCxGC/MS detailed hand indicating methods great potential explore production technology handmade papers.