Parchment Roll - Parchment Sheet
What exactly is parchment?
Parchment is a writing material that was used in antiquity. Unlike its predecessor, papyrus, which is made from the papyrus plant, parchment is made from animal hide. It reached Greece and Rome only in the Hellenistic period via the West Anatolian city of Pergamon, from whose name the term parchment is derived.
The production of parchment involves several steps. The animal hide is placed in a lime bath, where the hair largely detaches from the skin. The hide is then stretched onto wooden frames of the appropriate size and, while still damp, is carefully scraped with a special knife.
Buy parchment in the Roman Shop
Buying parchment in our Roman Shop means bringing incomparable quality into your home. Made from genuine animal hide, you receive a high-quality, elaborately crafted parchment sheet measuring approximately 20 by 75 cm, with an extra finely finished surface that is particularly well suited for writing.
- High-quality, genuine parchment
- Roll approx. 75 x 20 cm
- Good single-sided writing surface
- Buy parchment made from genuine animal hide – for an authentic touch of antiquity
Where could you buy parchment in antiquity?
Since papyrus grew in only a few regions and had to be imported with effort, parchment was a real enrichment for ancient scribes, as it could be produced almost anywhere and therefore parchment could be purchased widely. Its origin story is also linked to the accessibility of buying parchment: According to tradition, an export ban on papyrus from Egypt to Pergamon prompted the invention of parchment.
Why buy parchment?
If you have always wanted to know what it felt like to write in antiquity, you can experience it now by buying one or more sheets of parchment in our museum shop. Particularly experimental or creative people can also buy a kit from us to make their own parchment.
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FAQs - Product Questions
What is the best way to write on genuine parchment?
For the most authentic results, write with a quill, calligraphy nib, or fine steel nib and use free-flowing, pigmented ink or traditional iron gall ink. Always test ink and nib in an inconspicuous spot on the parchment sheet, as parchment absorbs ink differently than paper.
Is the parchment writable on both sides?
This parchment features a particularly finely finished surface that is well suited for writing on one side; the reverse is naturally rougher. For clean results, we recommend using the smooth side and making a few test strokes before writing.
Can I print the parchment roll in a printer?
We advise against printing: Heat in a laser printer can cause this natural material to ripple, and inkjet inks can bleed. For teaching, certificates, and calligraphy, handwritten lettering on the parchment sheet provides the best, authentically antique effect.
Which animal hide is the parchment made from and why does it vary?
Genuine parchment is traditionally made from animal hide (historically most often calf, goat, or sheep). As a natural product, color, thickness, and texture may vary slightly—these differences create the authentic antique character when you buy parchment.
How should I store the parchment roll properly?
Store the parchment in a dry place, protected from light, and as flat as possible between acid-free paper, or loosely rolled in a protective sleeve. Avoid direct sunlight and high humidity; slight waves often flatten if the sheet is briefly weighted and left lying flat.
