Short History Of... cover image

Short History Of...

Introducing: The Curious History of Your Home

Apr 14, 2024
Domestic historian Ruth Goodman delves into the history of wallpaper, exploring its evolution from ancient China to Western homes. She discusses the impact of historical events like the English Civil War and French Revolution on wallpaper production. The podcast also touches on the controversial history of Arstnik wallpaper, highlighting a tragic poisoning incident and its modern resurgence in design.
33:50

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Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The invention of paper in ancient China by Tsalun revolutionized communication and literature.
  • The introduction of wallpaper in Europe replaced tapestries due to cost-effectiveness and intricate designs.

Deep dives

The Ancient Chinese Invention of Papermaking

In ancient China, Tsalun, a court official, observed a wasp making a nest and was inspired to experiment with papermaking using similar techniques. Though not the true inventor of paper, Tsalun's experiments led to significant innovation in paper production, leading to the widespread use of paper in China and revolutionizing communication and literature.

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