China is the country that invented toilet paper.
While the concept of using materials for personal hygiene after defecation has existed for millennia, the first documented use of paper specifically for this purpose dates back to 6th century AD China.
Historical Context
-
6th Century AD: Scholar-official Yan Zhitui mentioned the use of toilet paper. He wrote about not daring to use paper with quotations or commentaries from the Five Classics or names of sages for toilet purposes. This indicates that paper was already in use for hygiene at this time.
-
14th Century AD: Mass production of toilet paper began in Zhejiang province. Records show that during the reign of the Hongwu Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, 720,000 sheets of toilet paper were manufactured for the imperial court annually.
-
Size and Fragrance: General use toilet paper during this period was typically 2 x 3 feet. Toilet paper for the Imperial family was even larger and perfumed.
Comparing to Other Regions
While other cultures used various materials such as leaves, stones, water, and cloth, the Chinese were the first to produce and use paper specifically for this purpose on a large scale. This makes China the unequivocal inventor of toilet paper as we know it.
Modern Toilet Paper
The modern, commercially produced toilet paper that we use today was introduced much later, primarily in the West. However, the origin and concept firmly rest with ancient China.
