QIAYC1
Qian Shu: YAQU CANGSHU. N.p. [1703]. 20-37; 38-51 folded leaves, Chinese style. 6; 6 woodcut illustrations. 9 columns of 25 characters, 'baikou', single rules all around, printed area 10.9x13.2. 2 vols. 24x17 cm. Stitched, cloth case.
GBP 500.00
Part of a finely carved Kangxi period illustrated work that is also an example of multiblock - here black and red - printing. Punctuation and some seal impressions are printed in red using a second set of blocks. The illustrations are well cut and give a good impression of Kangxi period work of this kind.
This item is listed in the Chinese Union Catalogue of Rare Books in the dramatic lyrics (zaju) section. It comprises comments on, and reproductions of, lyrics from famous plays and also depicts selected corresponding scenes (the poetic lyrics themselves are reproduced in various styles of good calligraphy on the verso side of each illustrated leaf). In the union catalogue it is listed as consisting of a single chapter (juan). Here we have only part of the work which does, in other collections, appear bound in multiple physical volumes. While there is no authoritative collation, we appear to have the latter two-thirds of the complete work. It has been carefully rebound in traditional form and supplied with a new cloth case. The impression is good with some foxing and slight staining.
A rare example of Kangxi period book illustration. Zhongguo Guji Shanben Zongmu, 1880.
Subjects: Illustrated Books Rare Books
Available, as of: 03/07/2008
Was item 233 in printed List 140.
Record produced by Hanshan Tang Books, www.hanshan.com.
