Hidden Players: Small Paper Nails—Manufacture and Application of Paper Nails in Chinese Double-Leaved Books

Abstract

Abstract Paper nails constitute a unique and important structure in Chinese double-leaved books. This technique may have existed as early as the Southern Song Dynasty (A.D.1127–1279) when wrapped-back bindings developed. Creating and applying paper nails is a basic skill for conservators in China. Although paper nails have always been used, there is not much literature discussing their manufacture and application. This article details the use of single and double-ended nails in China, including how to make, attach, and remove them, and provides illustrative examples of the role of paper nails in thread binding, rough binding, wrapped-back binding, and “Jade Set in Gold” (“jinxiangyu”, 金镶玉) binding. This work will be a reference for the conservation of Chinese double-leaved books and other documents.