Wasli, also referred to as wasli paper, is a type of handmade paper used specifically for painting miniatures. It was devised in India, in the 10th century, and figures widely in Mughal-era painting.

Wasli can be produced to varying thickness and its uses range from classical/traditional painting methods with opaque water colors to building structures of various kinds.[1]

Miniature Painting is a term used for making opaque/translucent water color paintings/illustrations on a small scale inspired from Persian or Pahari miniature schools[2] and Wasli is used as a canvas for making miniatures.

The term derives from a Persian word Vasl which means union or coming together, oneness, etc.

Wasli is an acid-free paper and it has archival qualities. Paper-eating insects cannot eat it because of a poison copper sulphate (Neela Thootha) used its preparation. The glue typically used to paste sheets together is also acid-free, being made out of cooking flour.

To use it for miniature paintings this layered paper is burnished with either smooth glass or a sea shell. This way the paper is shiny and smooth and has minimal perceptible grain.

References

  1. ↑ "Beyond the Page: The Miniature as Attitude in Contemporary Art from Pakistan". Pacific Asia Museum. Archived from the original on November 28, 2010.
  2. ↑ "The World of Pahari Miniature Painting". www.123himachal.com. Retrieved 28 May 2019.


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