In the age of computers and digital technology, carbon overlays seem to be a thing of the past. However, this once popular writing instrument carries the memory of the times, but also contains unique collection value and artistic potential. This article will lead you to review the history of carbon over-the-top paper, discuss its collectible value, and show its application in artistic creation, so that everyone can re-understand this seemingly ordinary object and discover its unknown charm.


1. The history of carbon over-the-bottom paper: from invention to heyday


The invention of carbon-based underlining dates back to the end of the 19th century, when people were looking for a more convenient and faster way to copy. Traditional copying methods require the use of ink-soaked carbon paper, which is not only cumbersome, but also prone to blurred handwriting. In this context, carbon over-the-bottom paper came into being. 


In the 1890s, the American EdwinArmstrong invented the first carbon-based over-the-bottom paper, which was patented in 1900. This over-the-top paper uses a special toner coating to transfer ink or ink onto another sheet of paper for quick and easy handwriting. 


The invention of carbon-based underlining paper has revolutionized the way of copying, bringing great convenience to offices, schools and homes. At the beginning of the 20th century, carbon-based underlining paper quickly became popular and became the most important copying tool at that time. 


2. The heyday of carbon copy paper: the golden age of writing instruments


In the middle of the 20th century, carbon-based over-the-bottom paper ushered in its heyday. It is widely used to make carbon books, receipts, invoices, forms, etc., and almost all documents that need to be copied use carbon underliner paper. 


At that time, there were many types of carbon-based underlining papers, and there were a wide variety of products of different brands and specifications. For example, well-known stationery brands such as Mitsubishi in Japan, Eaton in the United States, and Staedtler in Germany all produce carbon-based underlay paper, which have their own characteristics in terms of quality and performance. 


The popularization of carbon-based underlay paper not only facilitated people's work and life, but also brought great development to the stationery industry at that time.


3. The Decline of Carbon Bottoming Paper: The Impact of Scientific and Technological Progress


However, with the development of science and technology, carbon over-the-bottom paper has gradually been replaced by more advanced technologies such as carbon paper and ribbon.


In the 1970s, carbon paper, a paper coated with a special chemical that allowed ink or ink to be transferred to another sheet of paper, became more popular than carbon-based over-the-bottom paper. 


In the 1980s, ribbons began to be used in computer printers, a ribbon-like material that could transfer ink or ink onto paper with greater precision and longevity than carbon-based over-the-bottom paper. 


With the popularization of carbon paper and ribbon, carbon underlining paper has gradually withdrawn from the historical stage, but it still retains its unique historical value and cultural significance.


Fourth, the collection value of carbon bottom paper: the witness of the times


Due to the long history of carbon-based underlining paper and the limited number of productions, some old, well-preserved carbon-based underlining papers have high collector's value.


Criteria for judging the value of collectibility:


Age: The older the age, the higher the collectible value. For example, carbon-based underlining paper from the early 20th century is more collectible than carbon-based underlining paper from the late 20th century. 

Brands: Well-known brands, such as Mitsubishi in Japan, Eaton in the United States, etc., have a high collection value. These brands held an important position in the stationery market at that time, and their product quality and design were representative. 

Condition: Carbon-based over-the-top paper that is well preserved and has no breakage, fading, or stains for a higher collector's value.

Rarity: Rare varieties, such as limited editions, commemorative editions, etc., have a higher collectible value.


Tips for identifying valuable collectibles:


Observe the packaging: By looking at the label, date of manufacture, brand, and other information on the packaging, you can determine the age and brand of the carbon over-bottoming paper.

Touch Material: Touch the material of the carbon underlining paper to determine whether it is genuine.

View Color: Observe the color of the carbon-based over-bottomed paper to determine whether it fades.

Consult an expert: You can consult a collectibles expert for a more professional opinion.


5. The Artistic Application of Carbon Over-Bottom Paper: Exploring New Possibilities


Carbon over-the-top paper is not only a writing instrument, it also has unique artistic potential. Some artists take advantage of the properties of carbon-based underlay paper to create various artistic creations and explore new forms of artistic expression.


Examples of artistic creation:


Calligraphy: The rough surface of the carbon-based over-the-bottom paper can make the calligraphy work more textured and powerful, presenting a unique artistic effect.

Painting: The color and texture of carbon-based underlining can add a unique visual effect to a painting, for example, the black undertone of carbon-based underlining can be used to create a painting with a sense of mystery.

Installation art: Carbon-based underlining paper can be used as a material for installation art, such as cutting carbon-based underlining paper into different shapes and combining them into installations, presenting a layered sense of space and visual impact.

Composite media: Carbon-based underlays can be combined with other media to create richer works of art, for example, carbon-based underlays can be combined with materials such as paper, fabric, metal, etc., to create works of art with a unique style.


6. Review and prospect


As a writing instrument with a long history, carbon-based underlay paper carries the memory of the times, and also contains unique collection value and artistic potential. Whether it's a collection or an artistic creation, carbon over-the-top paper is worth exploring and appreciating.


In today's rapid development of science and technology, carbon bottom paper may have faded out of people's field of vision, but the spirit of the times and artistic value it represents are still worth recalling and thinking about. Through the review of carbon backing paper, we can better understand the trajectory of scientific and technological development, as well as the evolution of human civilization.