History

Gunpowder was the first physical explosive and propellant. Prior to its invention, many incendiary and burning devices had been used, including Greek fire. The invention of gunpowder is usually attributed to Chinese alchemy, and is popularly listed as one of the “Four Great Inventions” of China. It was invented during the Tang Dynasty (9th century), and the earliest record of a written formula appeared in the Song Dynasty (11th century). Knowledge of gunpowder spread throughout the Old World as a result of the Mongol conquests of the 13th century. It was employed in warfare to some effect from at least the 14th century, although the development of effective artillery took place during the 15th century, and firearms came to dominate early modern warfare in Europe by the 17th century.

The earliest documentation of fireworks dates back to 7th century China (time of the Tang Dynasty), where they were invented. The fireworks were used to accompany many festivities. Chinese people originally believed that the fireworks could expel evil spirits and bring about luck and happiness. It is thus a part of the culture of China and probably had its origin there; eventually it spread to other cultures and societies. The art and science of firework making has developed into an independent profession. In China, pyro technicians were respected for their knowledge of complex techniques in mounting firework displays.

During the Song Dynasty (960–1279), many of the common people could purchase various kinds of fireworks from market vendors, and grand displays of fireworks were also known to be held. In 1110, a large fireworks display in a martial demonstration was held to entertain Emperor Huizong of Song (r. 1100–1125) and his court. A record from 1264 states that a rocket-propelled firework went off near the Empress Dowager Gong Sheng and startled her during a feast held in her honor by her son Emperor Lizong of Song (r. 1224–1264). Rocket propulsion was common in warfare, as evidenced by the Huolongjing compiled by Liu Ji (1311–1375) and Jiao Yu (fl. c. 1350–1412). In 1240 the Arabs acquired knowledge of gunpowder and its uses from China. A Syrian named Hasan al-Rammah wrote of rockets, fireworks, and other incendiaries, using terms that suggested he derived his knowledge from Chinese sources, such as his references to fireworks as “Chinese flowers”.

With the development of chinoiserie in Europe, Chinese fireworks began to gain popularity around the mid-17th century. Lev Izmailov, ambassador of Peter the Great, once reported from China: “They make such fireworks that no one in Europe has ever seen.” In 1758, the Jesuit missionary Pierre Nicolas le Chéron d’Incarville, living in Beijing, wrote about the methods and composition on how to make many types of Chinese fireworks to the Paris Academy of Sciences, which revealed and published the account five years later. His writings would be translated in 1765, resulting in the popularization of fireworks and further attempts to uncover the secrets of Chinese fireworks.

The Invention of the Firecracker

In the Han Dynasty (206-220 BC) it is said that people would roast bamboo to produce a loud sound that was intended to disperse ghosts and apparitions. In the Northern and Southern Dynasties (420-581 AD) this kind of sound was not only used to dispel evil but also to pray for happiness and prosperity.

At the end of the Northern Song Dynasty, the first paper tube crackers, filled with gunpowder were produced. Crackers strung together by hemp rope, known as “hundred-break” crackers, appeared at the end of the Southern Dynasty (fifth Century AD). Li Tian is credited as the originator of the cracker industry.

Fireworks Export

The export of fireworks began with Paozhuang, a private trading company, which had a main store and several branches. In the mid-1800’s, Paozhuang began to deal in fireworks, trading by land and sea, throughout Asia and as far as Europe.

Fireworks were sold abroad in the Guangxun Period (1875-1908 AD) of the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911 AD). At first, fireworks were transported to Guangdong, then to Hong Kong or Macao where they were collected for sale and distribution to Southeast Asia. Some were also sold abroad from Shanghai. During the Xuantong Period (1909-1911 AD) fireworks were sold in twenty countries, including Singapore, India, Korea, Japan, Russia, the Philippines, Britain, America, Sweden, Egypt, Canada, Australia and other Latin America countries.

In the 1930’s, economic development was hampered by turbulent international politics and persisting warfare. Many firework factories went bankrupt, product range shrank and sales were poor. Over time, the firework industry declined.

After the foundation of the People’s Republic of China, the fireworks industry began to recover and then entered a golden period after 1978. When the Open Door Policy came into effect in 1980, worldwide trade began to flourish.

In current years, the fireworks export industry has opened to an expanding market. At present, few countries do not import Chinese made fireworks.

Presently, there are five bases of fireworks production in China: Liuyan (Hunnan), Beihai (Guangxi), Pingxiang (Jiangxi), Jianghu (Jiangsu), and Donguan (Guangdong).