Rice writing

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Rice writing is the art and skill of being able to write small enough to write on a grain of rice. Some people like Bly the Rice Writer are able to write large amounts on single grains of rice.

Rice writing originated in Turkey where it was believed that good luck would befall anyone who owned a grain of rice with a message inscribed on. An example exists in the Topkapi Palace Museum in Turkey. It also has a long tradition in India.^[1]

Most modern day rice writers use the following tools:

1. Common long grain white rice: This rice is a flat cylinder shape. Because it is flat it provides two wide surfaces for writing.
2. Sharp utility knife: This is used to scrape the rice slightly to remove ridges to provide a smooth surface for writing. This scraping method can also be used to remove minor mistakes.
3. Clay: Some people use a utility gripper clay and others use a modeling clay. The clay is used to hold the rice in place while performing the writing.
4. Technical pen: This is a drawing pen with an ultra-fine tip. Most pens used are either size .18 (4x0) or .13 (6x0). These can be purchased online, or at some arts and crafts stores.
5. Waterproof Ink: This ink is sold with the technical pen.

Once the rice writing is complete, it is usually preserved in a small vial of oil. Many craftsman mount these vials into jewellery such as necklaces, bracelets and key chains.

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