THE RECORD
What changed
In China, Buddhist charms, sutras and calendars were block-printed; the dated 868 Diamond Sutra is an early complete printed book.
EVIDENCE
What remains
The Dunhuang Diamond Sutra and earlier fragments from Korea, Japan and China document the technology's spread.
WHY IT MATTERS
Why it matters
Printing grew through religious merit and administration, carrying identical words across distance and time.
OPEN QUESTION
Where interpretation begins
The Diamond Sutra is not the first printed object, but a landmark dated and complete example.