On Paper Accounts, Paper Clothes, And Paper Quilts

Paper Products refers to those artworks made by paper. This article focuses on applications, literary writing and cultural significance of three paper products which are Zhi Zhang, Zhi Yi and Zhi Bei.The first chapter briefly introduces the historical development and producing area of paper products. Paper products are mainly produced in Fujian, Jiangxi, Zhejiang, Anhui provinces whose paper industries are developed. In Qin and Han Dynasties, the case of making clothes in barks inspires people to make Zhi Yi; In Wei and Jin Dynasties, paper and cloth are closely related. Gu Piyi becomes the prototype of Zhi Yi; In the late Tang, paper products were put into everyday use and spread widely in Song. After Yuan, the introduction and large-scale cultivation of cotton force paper products gradually subside. In the late Qing Dynasty, paper products were less used. The second chapter analyses category, form, manufacture and usage of paper products. The kind of paper products taking place of fiber can be divided into apparel and home textiles. The manufacture and usage vary a lot. The third chapter summarizes the literature writing history of paper products, including the record and appreciation of paper products mentioned in history books, local chronicles, poetry, prose, drama, novels respectly. Some works are composed by famous people such as Su Shi, Su Zhe, Zhu Dunru, Lu You, Wen Tianxiang, Ye Shaoweng,Lv Benzhong. The fourth and fifth chapters introduce Zhi Zhang, Zhi Yi and Zhi Bei respectly. Zhi Zhang combined with plum creates Zhi Zhang Mei, which attaches elegant idleness to Zhi Zhang. Meanwhile, Zhi Zhang, used by monks and united with futon, reflects its seclusive side.Buddhism, Taoism and temporal culture go hand in hand in terms of Zhi Zhang. ZhiYi is simple but airtight, so wearing for long time can hurt the body. As a result, Zhi Yi is usually utilized as burial clothes, which gives prominence to funeral culture. For instance, Guo Wei, an emperor of Hou Zhou Dynasty, says that he should be buried with Zhi Yi and tile coffin, which becomes a favorite tale. Zhi Bei implies poverty. It is used to keep warm for ordinary people and to achieve asceticism for monks. Besides, it can be treated as important supplies to help disabled people. Moreover, it became gifts between literati The sixth chapter concludes social, literary and cultural significance of paper products, highlighting the symbolic significance of Zhi Zhang, Zhi Yi and Zhi Bei, and the impact on today's apparel, agriculture and medicine.