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Paper has a history spanning over 2,000 years since its invention. Throughout the evolution of human civilization, numerous significant developments and stories have emerged in relation to paper. This article presents several notable historical episodes that highlight the cultural, technological, and economic significance of paper.
1. The Oldest Known Paper in the World
Among the Four Great Inventions of ancient China-gunpowder, the compass, printing, and papermaking-the earliest extant example of plant fiber paper was discovered at the Fangmatan tomb in Tianshui, Gansu Province, China. Dating back to the reigns of Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing of the Western Han Dynasty (approximately 2nd century BCE), this paper was made from hemp and ramie. Notably, the unearthed sheet features printed depictions of mountains, rivers, and roads, making it not only the oldest known paper but also the world's earliest surviving map.
2. The Development and Characteristics of "Banshi" (Board Paper): The Origin of Molded Paper
Molded paper, commonly used in calendars and high-precision printing, traces its origins to Japan, where it was initially developed as *kami* to showcase traditional Japanese papermaking techniques. During the early Meiji era, Japan imported all banknote paper from Western countries. To achieve self-sufficiency in producing high-quality paper, Emperor Meiji initiated a national project. In 1875, the Ministry of Finance established the Banknote Printing Bureau in Oji Ward, Tokyo, assembling master artisans from the Echizen region. Initially, they used mulberry bark-a traditional material-but due to limited availability, large-scale production proved unfeasible. Subsequently, the bureau adopted mitsumata (Edgeworthia chrysantha) as the primary raw material, successfully manufacturing a smooth, high-stiffness paper suitable for precise printing.
Through continuous refinement, this paper-later known as "banshi"-was widely adopted for securities, stocks, and official certificates. In 1898, it was exhibited at the Paris World Exposition and subsequently exported to European markets.
3. The Etymology of the Japanese Word "Kami" (Paper)
The English word "paper" derives from *papyrus*, used in ancient Egypt. Meanwhile, the first paper mill on the European continent was established in the Valencia region of Spain. The English term "paper" evolved from Latin through Old French into Middle English. As for the Japanese term "kami," one linguistic theory suggests it originated from the earlier pronunciation "kabo," which gradually shifted to "kabi" and eventually to "kami." This etymological development implies a historical connection between the word for paper and birch bark, a material historically associated with early Japanese papermaking practices.
4. The Emergence of Paper Recycling
Prior to the second half of the 19th century, the primary raw materials for papermaking included flax, cotton wadding, and wood pulp. With the widespread adoption of movable-type printing in Europe and North America, the newspaper and magazine industries expanded significantly, leading to a sharp increase in paper consumption and waste generation.
Consequently, the recycling and reprocessing of waste paper became a matter of economic and environmental importance worldwide. Today, many countries have implemented strict regulations regarding paper recycling. For instance, Europe has imposed restrictions on the export of recycled paper waste. In the United Kingdom, historical reliance on linen and cotton textiles for burial purposes led to legislative measures promoting the use of woolen fabrics instead, driven by the growing demand for raw materials in paper production. Globally, efforts to enhance paper recycling continue to gain momentum.
5. The Origin of Page Numbering and Pagination
In the 2nd century BCE, parchment made from treated animal skins-particularly sheepskin-emerged as a writing medium. Unlike papyrus, which was brittle and prone to cracking when folded, parchment could be folded accordion-style. This physical flexibility enabled the conceptual development of discrete pages and two-sided writing, laying the foundation for modern pagination systems.
6. Paper and the Administration of Official Documents
In 751 CE, following the Battle of Talas (in present-day Kyrgyzstan), Chinese papermaking technology spread westward into the Islamic world. During the Abbasid Caliphate, paper began to be used for official administrative documents. As the caliphate expanded, the volume of bureaucratic correspondence increased dramatically, and lightweight, cost-effective paper proved ideal for such purposes. Moreover, ink penetrated deeply into paper fibers, making unauthorized alterations difficult-unlike parchment, where ink could be scraped off, allowing for document tampering.
In contrast, the Holy Roman Empire on the European continent initially resisted the use of paper in official records, partly due to cultural bias against materials associated with Muslim civilizations and a prevailing belief in the superior durability of parchment.
However, the discovery of the Cairo Geniza documents-unearthed in southern Cairo, Egypt, in the late 19th century-provided compelling evidence to the contrary. This collection preserved approximately 12,000 sheets of paper and parchment dating from the 9th to the 19th centuries. Remarkably, after more than a millennium, the paper documents remained in excellent condition, challenging the long-held European assumption about paper's fragility and demonstrating its longevity under proper storage conditions.
7. The Decline of Parchment
Around 1455, the publication of the Gutenberg Bible marked the beginning of the print era in Europe. Of the estimated 180–200 copies originally printed, 30 were produced on parchment (12 of which survive today). Producing just these 30 parchment editions required the skins of hundreds of sheep.
Given that paper is derived from renewable plant sources and is far more accessible than animal-based parchment, its adoption became inevitable as printing demands surged. Consequently, parchment gradually declined in use, giving way to paper as the dominant medium for written communication.
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