Paper
Cole Cl.
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The Creation of Paper
Paper was invented in Ancient China within the Han Dynasty, which spanned from 206 BCE to 220 CE. The Han is often split into two time periods, with the first ~200 years being the Western and the last ~200 being the Eastern . The innovation of paper was first started during the Eastern Han in the year 105 CE by Ts'ai Lun. Lun was a servant, or official, under Emperor He at the time of his creation, but he had a history of working to improve technology. He developed his version of paper by mashing used fishing nets, hemp, and mulberry bark until they formed a pulp-like substance. He would then stir this mixture with water and lay it out in thin sheets on a cloth to dry. His method took inspiration from the process of silk bleaching. Once all of the water was drained, it became a material that would change the course of Chinese history.
The Immediate and Long Term Impacts
Before Ts'ai Lun's paper could be distributed across the Han Empire, he had to propose his invention to the emperor. Following He's approval, the material found itself quickly rising to an essential in the literary system. Paper was able to replace previous writing surfaces such as bamboo, wood, and silk because of its versatility. It was lighter than bamboo and wood and less expensive than silk. Paper's surface also allowed scripts and texts to be preserved over time, as it could effectively hold the ink that was used to inscribe characters. Additionally, because of its durability, paper texts, scrolls, and books were able to be transported safely across several Han kingdoms. This increased the amount of interactions between readers and authors, improving the empire's overall literary skills.
Lishu Script
The Han experienced a massive improvement and expansion in Chinese literature because writers were able to craft a universal language, known as lishu script, for others to read. The Lishu script could be displayed in books, texts, and scrolls. This allowed readers to understand and interact with written messages, records, or information between groups.
Spread to other Civilizations
Centuries after the fall of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Ancient Chinese paper began to be produced across Europe and Central Asia. China's paper-making techniques were brought into Islam as a result of their victory at the Battle of Talas in 8th Century CE. This allowed for paper to flood the trade market, especially along the Silk Road. Many civilizations gained this material or information on how to produce it through exchanges in trade routes.
Extra Information
-The Invention of Paper goes into more detail about how the use of paper spread across the early world after the Han Dynasty.
-Lishu Writings in Ink has the specific uses for Lishu Script in the Han Empire, such as where it was used and what it represented.
-The Incredible Life of Ts'ai Lun-Inventor of Paper gives a detailed background of Lun's life leading up to his invention and the changes after his creation flourished.
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