Parchment – genuine goat hide
Parchment – an authentic animal-skin experience!
The parchment sheet, a unique pleasure from nature! Writing on genuine goat hide offers not only a special writing experience but also a long-lasting solution for distinctive occasions—decorative, rustic, and impressive—while also being perfectly suited to everyday uses such as protecting books.
- Sheet size: approx. DIN A6
- genuine goat parchment
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one-sided writable area: approx. 15 × 10 cm
On the Roman history of parchment
In Roman times, the writing material made from animal skin was called membrana. The term parchment appears only in late antique sources, such as Diocletian’s Edict (VII 38).
Parchment or papyrus?
Parchment only began to compete with papyrus from the 4th century AD and soon replaced the plant-based writing material as a kind of “natural paper”. Because parchment could be produced locally almost everywhere, it did not depend on papyrus, a traded commodity available only in a few regions worldwide, such as North Africa and Syria.
Thus, parchment entered the world of book production, also because writing could be corrected more easily by scraping off the ink than on a papyrus sheet.
How is parchment made?
The manufacture of parchment takes place in several steps. The animal hide is placed in a lime bath in which the hair largely loosens. The skin is then stretched in wooden frames and, while still damp, scraped with a special knife. Once all hair residues have been removed, the surface can be sanded to obtain a smooth, writable surface.
The same production as in the past
This elaborate process has changed very little over thousands of years and is still practiced in the traditional way today.
An ancient tradition preserved
Each hide is traditionally tanned and offers good writing quality. Every piece of parchment is a small one-of-a-kind and truly unique. These are natural products that show variations, which are also a mark of quality.
Parchment has been used for thousands of years for writing or for the binding of books.
Try parchment for yourself now!
You will also receive a small leaflet about parchment.
Forum Traiani ® registered trademark
FAQs – Product Questions!
Which pens and inks are suitable for genuine goat parchment?
Calligraphy nibs with pigmented drawing ink or inks specifically formulated for parchment adhere best and have minimal feathering. Fountain pens with relatively dry ink often work; please test first on an inconspicuous corner. Felt-tip pens can smear.
Is the sheet writable on both sides and how large is the area?
The usable writing area is one-sided, approx. 15 × 10 cm; the sheet corresponds roughly to DIN A6. The reverse side is left natural and is usually less suitable for writing.
Is it really animal hide, and where does it come from?
Yes, this is traditionally made parchment from genuine goat hide; each sheet is a one-off with natural variations. The hides are a by-product of the food industry; the tanning and sanding process follows historical methods.
Can I print on the parchment in class, or only write on it?
Home printers (laser/inkjet) are not recommended, as heat and inks adhere poorly and can damage the material. For educational purposes, write by hand or create inscriptions on paper and overlay them.
How should I store parchment so it will last?
Store flat, dry (approx. 40–55% relative humidity), protected from light and away from heat sources, ideally in acid-free folders. Slight waviness can be evened out by acclimatizing and gently pressing flat under weight.
