Zhen Xian Bao ~ Little Known Chinese Folk Art

 I constructed another variation of a Chinese Thread Book using Eco-Friendly natural handmade papers made in India. They have distinct textures with processes like embossing and screen printing.

 Zhen Xian Bao is a combination of bound book, origami folds, and multiple layers of compartmented boxes for storing all kinds of treasures. A compact way to store things with each of the boxes folding down flat.

 Zhen Xian Bao is a Little Known Chinese Folk Art. Women made these“Chinese Thread Books” to carry their sewing supplies. They would often include threads, snips of fabric, needles, paper patterns and other items all folded and tucked into pockets.

Black suede tie with beads as closure. Closed measures 4.5" W x 8" H. Eleven compartments and bottom layer box creates the cover of the book.

Chinese Thread Book ~ Zhen Xian Bao

I made this Chinese Thread Book / Zhen Xian Bao using handmade papers. Layers of textured handmade paper from Nepal called Batik Square Black & White and Batik Square Ivory & Beige and Floral screen printed paper from India. I crafted a belt fold band as the closure.

This origami folding book has 3 layers of 5 folding pockets.  Measures 4.5 inches square.

Chinese Thread Books are an old Chinese Folk Art. Women made these“Chinese Thread Books” to carry their sewing supplies. They would often include threads, snips of fabric, needles, paper patterns and other items all folded and tucked into pockets.

I've made several of these wonderful folding books in the past. Here is a link to my previous posted Chinese Thread Books. 

 

Zhen Xian Bao ~ Chinese Thread Book

I created this Chinese Thread Book following instructions in 'Ruth Smith's Folded Secrets -Paper Folding Projects'. She had a series of 4 Booklets I purchased. In this one I used Kraft Paper for the base of the boxes and decorated with coordinating scrapbook paper. The paper belt strap closure I made out of washi tape which is a Hedi Kyle Design and you can find a tutorial here on Paula B Krieg's channel. And if you're interested, 'Paula B Krieg' on YouTube also offers a Full Playlist on Zhen Xian Bao Tutorials.
 

If you'd like to see a few other Origami Chinese Thread books I created, I posted them on  February 18, 2023 with photos and included a bit of history about these books. Below is a short video of one of them showing the interesting interactive structure.

Zhen Xian Bao ~ Chinese Thread Books

During a period of paper crafting I stumbled upon Ruth Smith who shares information about “A Little Known Chinese Folk Art : Zhen Xian Bao”  This one I made using a combination of Handmade Batik, Nepalese Lokta and Mulberry papers. 

Zhen Xian Bao is a combination of bound book, origami folds, and a multi layers of compartmented boxes for storing all  kinds of treasures.

  Here is the link to  “A Little Known Chinese Folk Art : Zhen Xian Bao” PDF article. It's the article by Dennis Walker (from the British Origami Society magazine). It includes history and instructions on constructing two of the basic elements including the twist fold box which is the top box I chose for mine.

 Women made these“Chinese Thread Books” to carry their sewing supplies. They would often include threads, snips of fabric, needles, paper patterns and other items all folded and tucked into pockets. Ruth Smith also published a series of 4 booklets called “Folded Secrets”. They’re wonderful, full of the history and many variations and inspirations, as well as complete directions for these 15 (or more) compartment books.  I don’t think she has a website, but she is on Instagram as ‘Folded Secrets”.   

This is another variation I made using handmade papers. I chose the ‘star fold box’ as the top layer. This book has a total of 11 compartments. I made covers for the books using paper slightly larger than the large bottom layer box.

Another interesting journey down
the rabbit hole if you’re curious! The internet and Pinterest are good sources
of information on this technique.

Here is a link to a Flip Though of the book on the right