Zhu Bian

Zhu Bian (Chinese: 柱編; pinyin: zhù biān) refers to a specific method of recording documents in ancient China. It involves writing on narrow wooden slips (often bamboo, but also wood) which are then bound together using cords. The term literally translates to "column binding" or "pillar binding", referencing the visual appearance of the bound slips as resembling a column or pillar.

This method was widely used before the widespread adoption of paper and particularly predates the invention of printing. Zhu Bian offered a relatively portable and durable medium for preserving written information compared to earlier methods like engraving on bronze or bones.

The process involved preparing the wooden or bamboo slips to a standard size, writing characters on the surface, and then perforating the slips near the edges. Cords (usually made of silk or hemp) were then threaded through the perforations to bind the slips together into a continuous scroll. The number of slips used would vary depending on the length of the text.

Zhu Bian texts have been discovered in archaeological excavations, providing valuable insights into various aspects of ancient Chinese society, including history, law, literature, and philosophy. The condition of these recovered Zhu Bian documents can vary greatly depending on the preservation conditions.