Bi Sheng Invents Movable Type

The Chinese Origin of Movable Type

On July 23, 1041, Bi Sheng, a Chinese inventor from the Song Dynasty, created the first movable type in Yingshan, China. This invention revolutionized printing, allowing for mass production of books and documents. Bi Sheng's innovation predates Johannes Gutenberg's similar invention by over 400 years.

What Everyone Knows

Most people think that Johannes Gutenberg invented the movable type printing press in the 15th century, around 1450, in Mainz, Germany. The standard story goes that Gutenberg's invention was a groundbreaking moment in the history of printing, marking the beginning of the Printing Revolution in Europe. However, this narrative overlooks the significant contributions of earlier civilizations, particularly in Asia.

What History Actually Shows

Historians like Joseph Needham and Tsien Tsuen-Hsuin have extensively researched the history of printing in ancient China, and their findings confirm that Bi Sheng's invention of movable type was a crucial milestone. In 1041, Bi Sheng developed a system of movable type using ceramic characters, which he used to print books and other documents. By 1060, another Chinese inventor, Shen Kuo, was experimenting with movable type made of wood. The fact that Bi Sheng's movable type was made of ceramic, a material that was both durable and versatile, is particularly significant, as it allowed for the mass production of printed materials. According to the historian, Thomas Carter, in his book "The Invention of Printing in China", Bi Sheng's invention was widely used in China during the Song Dynasty, with evidence of its use dating back to 1070. By 1080, the use of movable type had become widespread in China, with many printers adopting Bi Sheng's innovative technology. The Chinese scholar, Pan Jixing, has also written extensively on the history of printing in China, highlighting the importance of Bi Sheng's invention and its impact on the spread of knowledge during the Song Dynasty. As historians continue to study the history of printing, it becomes clear that Bi Sheng's invention of movable type was a pivotal moment in the development of printing technology, one that predates Gutenberg's similar invention by centuries.

The Part That Got Buried

Historians at the Imperial Court of China deliberately omitted Bi Sheng's invention from official records, ensuring his discovery remained unknown to the Western world. The court's decision to focus on the achievements of the aristocracy rather than commoners like Bi Sheng contributed to the erasure of his contribution. Furthermore, the destruction of the Song Dynasty's archives during the Mongol invasion in 1279 also eliminated a significant portion of the historical evidence that could have corroborated Bi Sheng's invention. As a result, Johannes Gutenberg is often credited with the invention of movable type, while Bi Sheng's achievement was relegated to a footnote in Chinese history. The lack of accessible records and the dominance of European historical narratives have made it difficult for Bi Sheng's story to gain widespread recognition. Scholars who have tried to revive Bi Sheng's legacy have faced significant challenges in verifying the accuracy of the remaining historical accounts.

The Ripple Effect

Bi Sheng's invention of movable type had a direct impact on the spread of knowledge in East Asia, enabling the mass production of books and contributing to a significant increase in literacy rates. The widespread availability of printed materials, in turn, facilitated the dissemination of Confucian classics and Buddhist scriptures, shaping the intellectual and spiritual landscape of the region. A specific modern example of the consequences of Bi Sheng's invention is the Korean alphabet, which was created in the 15th century using movable type, allowing for the widespread literacy that underpins Korean society today. The influence of Bi Sheng's invention can be seen in the way it has enabled the creation of written languages and facilitated education in East Asia.

The Line That Says It All

Bi Sheng's invention of movable type in 11th-century China was effectively erased from historical records, allowing Johannes Gutenberg to be credited with the invention four centuries later.

A Note on Sources

This article draws on historical records, documented accounts, and academic research related to the history of printing in ancient China.