Development and Evolution of Papermaking in Ancient China based on the Uses and Forms of Paper

In the past, scholars have divided the history of Chinese papermaking into different stages based on the development of ancient papermaking technology, emphasizing the development and progress of papermaking in different historical periods but paying less attention to the changes in the form of paper. Here, the stages are defined based on changes in use and function rather than technological developments. When this approach is combined with the history of printing, books, calligraphy, and painting, the history of Chinese papermaking can be divided into the writing paper, writing and printing paper, printing paper, and calligraphy and painting paper periods. Different periods of paper have significant differences in texture, form, and performance owing to their different applications. This significant difference provides a reference for the identification of ancient papers and reveals the internal connection between the history of printing, books, calligraphy, painting, and papermaking.