The First Known Sunglasses: A Tool for Judges in Ancient China The history of sunglasses dates back to the 12th century in China, where they were first used by judges rather than as a fashion accessory or protective eyewear. In ancient China, judges wore flat, smoky quartz lenses during court proceedings. The primary purpose of these early "sunglasses" was not to shield their eyes from the sun, but to obscure their facial expressions while making decisions or listening to testimony. By concealing their eyes, judges could maintain an impartial and neutral demeanor, ensuring that their reactions to the cases or the people involved wouldn't influence the proceedings. This was especially important in a society where facial expressions could convey emotions or bias, potentially undermining the fairness of a trial. These early sunglasses were made from polished quartz, a material that, while not effective for blocking UV rays, served their purpose of concealing facial expressions.
