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What is woodblock printing and what was its impact on Chinese culture?
Woodblock printing or block printing is a technique for printing text, images or patterns used widely throughout East Asia and originating in China in antiquity as a method of printing on textiles and later paper. As a method of printing on cloth, the earliest surviving examples from China date to before 220 AD.
How did the invention of printing help China?
Printing was invented in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-906 AD). These blocks were used to print textiles and reproduce Buddhist texts. Short religious texts printed in this fashion was carried as charms. Eventually, the Chinese also began printing longer scrolls and books.
What was the impact of printing in China?
As in Europe centuries later, the introduction of printing in China dramatically lowered the price of books, thus aiding the spread of literacy. Inexpensive books also gave a boost to the development of drama and other forms of popular culture.
When was woodblock printing used in China?
Woodblock printing has made tremendous contributions to the spread of knowledge, insight and artistic inspiration. The earliest woodblock printed illustration extant today was made in the year 868, at the time of the Tang Dynasty (618 – 907).
Why was woodblock printing so important?
During the Tang and Song dynasties, woodblock printing has helped convey pieces of information more easily as it became easier to publish and spread a variety of texts. Printing also became a form of entertainment as the image of the carved wood can be transferred onto silk or paper.
How could The invention of woodblock printing affect society?
Perhaps the most important was the invention of woodblock printing. Woodblock printing allowed books to be printed in mass production. This helped to increase literacy and to pass on knowledge throughout the empire.
Why was printing important in China?
The widespread use of paper and printing were features of ancient China which distinguished it from other ancient cultures. As a cheaper and more convenient material than bamboo, wood, or silk, paper helped spread literature and literacy but it was used for many other purposes from hats to packaging.
How did printing change the world ancient China?
The invention of printing was very important because it helped spread ideas more rapidly, and helped merchants. The effect that printing had on Chinese society was that it spread ideas more rapidly, made paper money that helped the merchant’s trade. “Paper money helped the economy to expand and cities to grow.”