About The Oldest Printed Material In America
The earliest known printed material of any kind
Printed material refers to any content that is produced by transferring ink onto a substrate, typically paper, using various printing techniques. This category encompasses a wide range of items, including books, magazines, newspapers, brochures, posters, pamphlets and scrolls.
The oldest printed material of any kind in America is a 1,250-year-old woodblock-printed scroll of Buddhist prayers. Called, Hyakumantō Darani, the print is kept on regular display at the Beinecke Library on the grounds of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut since January 2023.
Yale University describes it as the oldest surviving printed material. The National Library Of Scotland defines it as the earliest known printed work. The Australian Antique & Art Dealers Association acknowledges it as the earliest printed text.
The Hyakumantō Darani was commissioned by Empress Shōtoku in the year 764 CE during the Nara period in Japan. It involved the production of one million scrolls, each containing a short Buddhist prayer.
The primary aim of these scrolls was to provide merit and blessings for the deceased. It was believed that by creating and distributing these scrolls, one could secure peace for the souls of the departed and promote spiritual well-being.
The technology for woodblock printing originated in China during the Tang Dynasty, and then spread to Korea and Japan. They were ordered by Empress Shōtoku of Japan, who wanted a million printed. Nearly 700 years before Gutenberg began churning out two-volume copies of the Latin Vulgate on his novel printing press in Mainz, a town in present-day Germany.
Each scroll features the Darani text, which is a form of Buddhist mantra. The full title translates to "One Million Darani," indicating the vast number of scrolls intended for distribution. The Hyakumantō Darani is one of the earliest known examples of woodblock printing in Japan.
This technique allowed for the mass production of texts, which was revolutionary at the time.The scrolls are deeply rooted in Buddhist practices, reflecting the religious devotion of the era and the efforts to promote Buddhism in Japan.
The Hyakumantō Darani marks a significant moment in the history of printing, showcasing the transition from manuscript to printed text, which would later influence the spread of literature and education.
The scrolls often feature calligraphy that reflects the aesthetic values of the time, combining both artistic and religious significance. Yale University acquired its copy of the Hyakumantō Darani as part of its efforts to preserve and study rare texts and artifacts that contribute to the understanding of cultural history.
Yale's copy of the Hyakumantō Darani is part of the university's rare book collection and is valued for both its historical and cultural significance. It is considered the world's earliest known printed object. Scholars at Yale study the Hyakumantō Darani for insights into early Japanese printing techniques, Buddhist practices, and the socio-cultural context of the Nara period.
Other Notable oldest printed items located in America is the oldest book (Gutenberg Bible printed in 1455) and the oldest map of the United States (New And Correct Map Of The United States printed in 1784), both which are also on display at Yale University. However, neither are older than Hyakumantō Daran which is considered the oldest printed material of any kind in America.