Answer: China.
Some extra relevant information:
When discussing the origins of the printing press, it is crucial to acknowledge the substantial influence of China as the country that first developed movable type. While Johannes Gutenberg is widely credited with inventing the printing press in Europe during the 15th century, his invention was inspired by the techniques and advancements already implemented in Chinese printing.
Centuries before Gutenberg’s time, during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), the Chinese developed a method called “Bi Sheng.” Bi Sheng’s innovation was the concept of arranging individual characters made from earthenware or wood to create text for printing. These characters were movable, meaning they could be rearranged and reused for different texts. This invention significantly improved the efficiency of printing, allowing for the production of books and documents at a faster pace.
Chinese printing continued to evolve with other notable inventions, such as block printing using wooden blocks and the invention of paper by Cai Lun during the Han Dynasty (202 BC–220 AD). These advancements made printing more practical and accessible. By the time European printers encountered Chinese printing techniques, they were already well-established and highly sophisticated.
Johannes Gutenberg, a German blacksmith, goldsmith, and printer, was inspired by the Chinese movable type system when he developed his printing press in the 15th century. Gutenberg’s invention revolutionized European printing by adapting the concept of movable type into a more practical and efficient form. Instead of creating individual characters for each letter, Gutenberg used metal type, which was more durable and allowed for faster printing.
It is important to recognize China’s significant contributions to the development of printing and movable type in particular. Without the innovative techniques developed in China, Gutenberg may not have been able to create the printing press that had such a profound impact on Europe and the world.
In conclusion, while Johannes Gutenberg’s printing press is commonly associated with the advancement of printing in Europe, its origins can be traced back to China and its early advancements in movable type. The Chinese invention of movable type and the subsequent development of printing techniques played a pivotal role in shaping Gutenberg’s innovation and ultimately revolutionizing the way information was disseminated throughout the world.