Evolution of writing
Origin of Writing
The first forms of writing dates back to 3500 BC, the late neolithic era. Characters consisted mainly of symbols and pictograms, they were carved upon pottery and jades as family emblems to identify the owner of the goods. Writing was also written on animal bones and turtle shells to make predictions about the future, therefore the animal bones and turtle shells were called "oracle bones".
Development of Writing
From the Xia Dynasty to the Zhou Dynasty, writing material evolved from oracle bones and pottery to bamboo wood. Books also began to develop. Early books were made of silk, more expensive than bamboo wood but lighter. Famous books written during the development of writing include "I Ching", a fortune telling book that was written during 800 BC. In 300 BC, during the Warring States period, Sun Tzu also wrote a war tactic book called "Art of War".
The first forms of writing dates back to 3500 BC, the late neolithic era. Characters consisted mainly of symbols and pictograms, they were carved upon pottery and jades as family emblems to identify the owner of the goods. Writing was also written on animal bones and turtle shells to make predictions about the future, therefore the animal bones and turtle shells were called "oracle bones".
Development of Writing
From the Xia Dynasty to the Zhou Dynasty, writing material evolved from oracle bones and pottery to bamboo wood. Books also began to develop. Early books were made of silk, more expensive than bamboo wood but lighter. Famous books written during the development of writing include "I Ching", a fortune telling book that was written during 800 BC. In 300 BC, during the Warring States period, Sun Tzu also wrote a war tactic book called "Art of War".
Early Writing
200 - 100 BC marked an important milestone for writing as paper was invented by Cai Lun of Han Dynasty. Paper was a great substitute for silk as it was lighter and cheaper, however, paper was originally used to wrap foods like fish. Gradually, paper was applied in writing, written on with dye and a brush. Because the price of writing materials was a lot less expensive, books became more common. Ban Zhao, born in 100 AD, was the first women writer. She wrote many books revolving around astronomy, mathematics, the history of Han and poetry. The most famous work from Ban Zhao was "Lessons for Women", a book informing women to submit to the men around them.
Advanced Writing
During 650 AD, the Tang Dynasty, Wood block printing was invented: different characters would be inked onto wood blocks, the would blocks would then be pressed against paper to leave a Chinese character. Wood block printing was a lot less expensive and time-consuming than copying books out by hand, enabling mass book production. By the time, many people were already educated to read and write. Philosophy and poetry was particularly popular during this era. "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow" was a famous poem written by Bai Ju Yi in 700 AD. By 1000 AD, the Sung Dynasty, movable clay type replaced wood block printing where Chinese characters were carved on clay instead and printed onto paper. Movable clay type was even cheaper than wood block printing and was increasingly popular during the time period.