Global Perspectives on Hand-Made Paper: A Pop-Up Exhibition at the Special Collections Research Center

Syracuse University Libraries’ Special Collections Research Center (SCRC) is offering a pop-up exhibition.

Originating in China around 100 BCE, paper spread via Silk Road routes to the Middle East and reached Europe by 1151 as a result of Arab conquests of Spain. After its introduction to Spain, paper gradually extended its reach to Italy in 1276, followed by France in 1348 and Germany in 1390, eventually making its way to England by 1495. More resilient than papyrus and more affordable than parchment, paper was the most suitable printing surface and as such played a pivotal role in the development of printing technologies and the dissemination of knowledge. This pop-up exhibition showcases a wide selection of materials on paper from the SCRC. Encompassing Asia, the Middle East, and Europe and spanning a time frame stretching from the 8th to the 18th century, the display provides a comparative overview of different types of paper and investigates cross-cultural connections facilitated by this medium.

This event is open to the public.