Mount

How to Mount Chinese Paintings and Calligraphy: A Beginner's Guide

Mounting is an essential part of preserving and displaying Chinese brush art. A well-mounted piece not only looks elegant but also protects the artwork for generations. This guide will walk you through the basics.

Why Mounting Matters

Unlike Western oil paintings, Chinese calligraphy and paintings are created on absorbent rice paper or silk, which are soft and fragile materials. Mounting serves three main purposes:

  •  Protection: The backing layers shield the artwork from dust, moisture, and physical damage.
  •  Support: Mounting gives the soft paper or silk the rigidity needed for hanging or rolling.
  •  Presentation: A proper mount enhances visual impact with beautiful borders.

Common Mounting Formats

 Format  Description  Best for
Hanging Scroll Vertical mounting with wooden roller at bottom, stave at top. Most traditional wall display format.
 Handscroll Horizontal, rolled right to left, viewed on a table. Long narratives or multiple works.
Album Leaf Individual leaves bound into a book or accordion-style. Small works, sketches, or collections.
Framed Mounted piece placed under glass in a modern frame. Contemporary interiors or easy display.

3. Materials You'll Need

  • Xuan paper — for backing and lining
  • Silk or brocade —  for decorative borders
  • Wheat starch paste —  reversible, unlike synthetic glues
  • Stiff brush — for applying paste
  • Soft brush —  for smoothing
  •  Drying board or clean class
  • Wooden roller and stave —  for hanging scrolls

Note for beginners: Traditional mounting is a complex skill that takes years to master. For valuable or antique works, always consult a professional restorer.

 The Basic Steps

 Step 1: Prepare the Artwork

Flatten the painting or calligraphy. If it's old or wrinkled, it may need gentle pressing or professional cleaning first.

Step 2: Mount the Backing

Apply a thin, even layer of wheat starch paste to the back of the artwork. Carefully attach a sheet of Xuan paper and smooth out all air bubbles with a soft brush.

Step 3: Dry on Board

Attach the mounted piece (face out) to a clean, dry glass or board. Leave to dry slowly for several days to a week. Slow drying prevents warping.

Step 4: Trim 

Once dry, trim the edges neatly. 

Step 5: Apply Decorative Borders 

and Finish

Cut silk or brocade into strips for top, bottom, and sides. Paste around the mounted artwork. Traditionally, the bottom border is slightly wider than the top.

For a hanging scroll, attach the wooden roller at the bottom and the stave with hanging cord at the top.

5. Tips for Beginners

  • Start with practice pieces — Use inexpensive practice pieces before mounting anything precious.
  • Use the right paste —Wheat starch paste is traditional and reversible. Never use white glue or synthetic adhesives.
  • Avoid bubbles — Air bubbles dry into ugly bumps. Apply paste evenly with a stiff brush and smooth thoroughly with a soft brush.
  • Work in a clean, dust-free area — Dust particles can get trapped under the backing paper during drying.
  • Don't rush the drying — Forcing heat or fans can cause uneven shrinkage, leading to warping or cracking.

6. When to Call a Professional

Please reach out to a professional in following scenarios,

  •  Antique or valuable works (over 50 years old or of significant monetary value)
  •  Damaged pieces (tears, holes, mold, or severe stains)
  •  Handscrolls and album leaves (complex formats requiring specialized techniques)

Final Words

Mounting is both a craft and an art. It requires patience, clean hands, and respect for the original work. We hope this guide gives you a basic understanding of what goes into a beautifully mounted piece.

Have questions about mounting or need advice on a specific piece? Contact us — we're happy to help.