Storing calligraphy, marbled paper and albums

What to store and how

Keep loose sheets flat in acid-free folders inside a box. Albums and bound books should lie flat or stand upright with support, never leaning. Do not stack heavy books on top of fragile bindings.

Environment

• Cool, dry, stable conditions, away from outside walls
• No basements or attics
• Darkness for stored works; limited light for displayed works
• Check regularly for insects and mould

Marbled paper (abri)

Marbled sheets carry paint on the surface. Rubbing or damp can lift it. Interleave sheets with acid-free tissue and avoid plastic sleeves that trap moisture, unless they are archival quality.

Ink and gold

Some historic inks, such as iron-gall ink, can become acidic and eat through paper. Gold and some pigments can flake. If you see cracking, burning through or flaking, stop handling the piece and ask a paper conservator.

Records

Photograph each work, note the calligrapher or maker if known, and keep receipts and provenance papers with the collection. This helps with insurance and with future research.

A note on this guide

This is general information from the CraftPersia editorial team and has not been reviewed by a specialist. It is not a valuation, authentication or conservation treatment. For valuable or fragile pieces, consult a qualified conservator or appraiser.