Why Were Scrolls Needed in Ancient China?

Historical Development#

Early Beginnings: In the Shang Dynasty (c. 1600 - 1046 BC), inscriptions were made on oracle bones and bronze vessels. However, as the need for more extensive record - keeping grew, materials like bamboo and silk were used to create scrolls.
Han Dynasty (202 BC - 220 AD): This was a golden age for scrolls. The invention of paper during the Eastern Han Dynasty by Cai Lun revolutionized the production of scrolls. Paper was more accessible and easier to write on compared to bamboo and silk, leading to a wider spread of written knowledge.
Later Dynasties: As time passed, scrolls continued to be used for a variety of purposes, from religious texts to official government documents. The art of calligraphy on scrolls also reached new heights, with many masterpieces being created.

Scrolls were used to record laws, decrees, and administrative orders. This helped in maintaining order and ensuring that the rules were uniformly applied across the vast Chinese territory.
They were also used for census records, tax information, and military reports, which were essential for the efficient running of the government.

Scrolls were the primary textbooks in ancient Chinese schools. Students studied classic works such as the "Five Classics" and the "Four Books" written on scrolls.
Scholars used scrolls to conduct research, write commentaries, and share their intellectual insights.

Religious scrolls, such as Buddhist sutras and Taoist texts, played a crucial role in the spread of religious beliefs. They were used in religious ceremonies and for private study.
Scrolls also contained works of literature, poetry, and history, which helped in preserving and passing on the cultural heritage of China.

Cai Lun, a eunuch in the Eastern Han Dynasty, is credited with the invention of paper. His innovation made scrolls more accessible and affordable, leading to a significant increase in the production and use of written materials.

During the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Qianlong commissioned the compilation of the "Siku Quanshu," a massive collection of Chinese literature and scholarship. It was written on thousands of scrolls and is considered one of the greatest intellectual achievements in Chinese history.

In comparison to the ancient Egyptians, who also used scrolls made of papyrus, Chinese scrolls were made from a wider variety of materials, including bamboo, silk, and paper.
The Greeks and Romans used parchment scrolls mainly for literature and official records. However, the Chinese used scrolls for a more diverse range of purposes, including religious and educational ones.

The use of scrolls in Ancient China laid the foundation for the development of a highly literate and educated society. It contributed to the long - standing tradition of calligraphy and the appreciation of fine arts in China.
The knowledge preserved on scrolls has influenced later generations of Chinese scholars, artists, and leaders. Many of the ideas and values expressed in ancient scrolls are still relevant in modern Chinese society.
The technology of papermaking and scroll production spread from China to other parts of the world, having a profound impact on the development of global civilization.

Readers interested in learning more about Ancient Chinese scrolls can explore the following areas:
- The art of calligraphy on scrolls and its significance in Chinese culture.
- The process of making bamboo and silk scrolls.
- The role of women in the creation and preservation of scrolls in ancient China.

Needham, Joseph. Science and Civilisation in China. Cambridge University Press, 1954 - 2008.
Fairbank, John King, and Merle Goldman. China: A New History. Harvard University Press, 2006.