Laid Papers refer to handmade paper used till 1750s. The ribbed texture of the paper can be seen by holding it out to the light. Earlier paper was produced using wire sieve and the mould. The wire was dipped into the pulp, lifted out and tilted to spread it evenly. This resulted in imparting the pattern of wires in the sieve to the paper. Laid Papers are used today for charcoal drawings and as decorations.