루브르 종이전쟁 EP.2 | 전 세계 종이 제작의 열풍 그리고 '한지'의 등장 | The special story about Hanji(ENG SUB) | feat.배두나

Summary

The video explores the history and global journey of papermaking, beginning with China's invention of paper, which was a closely guarded secret for centuries. After the Arabs learned papermaking from Chinese prisoners, they mass-produced it, spreading Arab culture and selling paper across Europe. Italians advanced the process, leading to Europe's dominance in papermaking. The narrative also touches on the traditional methods of papermaking in Korea and Europe, highlighting the dedication of artisans like Jacques Bréjoux and a Korean hanji maker, reflecting on the value and challenges of this craft.

Takeaways

• 📜 The Chinese quickly recognized the economic value of paper and turned it into a major industry.
• 🌍 Paper became a key export product for China, with high-quality varieties dyed in exquisite shades using stone powder.
• 🌹 The Chinese even produced scented paper using materials like saffron and roses.
• 🛤️ Paper was an important trade item on the Silk Road, alongside ivory, incense, and perfume, particularly popular in the Middle East.
• 🔒 China kept the papermaking process secret for over a thousand years until it was revealed after the Battle of Talas in 751.
• 🕌 The Islamic Empire learned the secret of papermaking from Chinese prisoners of war and began producing their own paper, aiding their administrative and cultural expansion.
• 📚 Arabs used this newfound knowledge to mass-produce books, including the Koran, which helped spread Arab culture.
• 🚢 Arab paper, though considered inferior in quality, was cheaper than parchment and sold through Italian merchants.
• ⚙️ In the 13th century, Italian papermakers innovated by using hydraulic power for pulping, further spreading the technology in Europe.
• 🖼️ Jacques Bréjoux, an expert in traditional European papermaking, studied the craft from the 16th to 18th centuries and explored papermaking techniques in Korea.

Q & A

What role did paper play in the Chinese economy?

Paper became a key industry in China, contributing significantly to the economy through both domestic use and exports. High-quality paper, often dyed in beautiful colors, was a valuable trade commodity.

How did the Islamic Empire learn the secret of papermaking?

The Islamic Empire learned the secret of papermaking after capturing Chinese prisoners during a battle near the Talas River in 751. One of these prisoners revealed the process, ending China's monopoly on papermaking.

Why was Chinese paper popular along the Silk Road?

Chinese paper was highly valued on the Silk Road due to its quality and unique characteristics like being dyed in rose, blue, and emerald shades. It was a popular trade item alongside incense, ivory, and perfume.

How did the spread of papermaking technology impact the Islamic Empire?

The Islamic Empire used its newfound knowledge of papermaking to produce large quantities of paper, which was cheaper and more practical than parchment. This allowed for the creation of important documents, Korans, and books, helping to spread Arab culture.

What challenges did Arab papermakers face with their product?

Arab paper received poor reviews for its quality, but it was much cheaper than parchment. Despite high transportation costs, it was 10 to 20 times cheaper and became widely sold in Europe through Italian merchants.

How did Italy contribute to advancements in papermaking technology?

In the 13th century, Italians advanced papermaking by developing mills powered by hydraulic energy. This allowed for faster and more efficient pulp production, making Italian paper mills highly successful.

What is unique about Jacques Bréjoux’s papermaking process?

Jacques Bréjoux continues to produce paper using traditional, pre-industrial methods. His mill near Angouleme, France, uses turbines instead of hydraulic power, but he maintains old-fashioned papermaking techniques.

Why did Jacques Bréjoux visit Korea, and what was his experience there?

Jacques Bréjoux visited Korea to study traditional papermaking methods. Although he missed touring a paper mill, he met an artisan named Mr. Kim and had deep conversations about papermaking, materials, and the craft.

What are the challenges facing the hanji papermaking industry in Korea?

The hanji papermaking industry is labor-intensive and not widely respected, leading to fewer people wanting to enter the trade. However, those who make hanji, like Mr. Kim's father, take pride in their work despite the challenges.

How did the spread of papermaking technology affect Europe?

After learning the papermaking technique from the Arabs, Europeans adapted the method and eventually became major producers of paper, especially in France. The technology evolved with the use of cloth instead of hemp, and mills using hydraulic energy became widespread.