Named for its origin — Xuancheng (
宣城) prefecture in Anhui, specifically Jing county (
泾县). Made primarily from the bark of the blue sandalwood tree (
青檀树). Two grades:
生宣 (raw, absorbent — for painting) and
熟宣 (sized, less absorbent — for detailed calligraphy). UNESCO intangible cultural heritage since 2009.
