Chinese Inventions: Paper Ms. Engelberth

THIS could be YOU! BeforeAfter

History of this Fabulous Product! First known prototypes as early as 150 B.C.E. Used hemp fibers, which resulted in a very coarse texture

Cai Lun’s innovation Paper 2.0 (  105 C.E.) attributed to government official Cai Lun Cai Lun made smoother pulp with materials like tree bark, silk, bamboo, and rags He would mix the fibers with water, then dry the pulp on a screen (see artist’s rendering in the image to the right)

Unusual uses At first, very rough texture—wasn’t used for writing Instead, used for tissue paper, toilet paper, blankets, clothes—even armor!

Writing and art However, our techniques have improved, and we can now make smooth paper perfect for beautiful calligraphy or painting! AF5A63B2C836CAF174B3AF5A63B2C836CAF174B