Chinese Fiction

This woodcut illustrates a pivotal moment from the 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms', where the general Zhao Yun uses a secret plan to rescue his lord's family. The dynamic composition and fine line work are characteristic of the high-quality narrative printing produced during the late Ming dynasty.

This intricate woodcut depicts three central figures of the Taoist pantheon, likely the Three Pure Ones, seated in a celestial realm. The scene includes a formal altar with ritual implements, emphasizing the liturgical and mythological foundations of Taoism as presented in this 17th-century compendium of the supernatural. The inscription '道教源流' (Origins of Taoism) confirms the pedagogical and religious intent of the illustration.

This scene depicts the marriage of Liu Bei (Xuande) to Lady Sun, a strategic alliance between two powerful factions in the Three Kingdoms period. The detailed architectural setting and elegant figures showcase the sophisticated narrative art and social customs captured in 17th-century Chinese book illustration.

This woodcut illustration from the 1608 edition of 'Soushenji' depicts a Buddhist triad, likely Shakyamuni Buddha flanked by his principal disciples, Ananda and Mahakasyapa. The central figure sits in meditation on a lotus throne atop an ornate pedestal, surrounded by a radiant halo and auspicious clouds. The inscription '釋氏源流' (Origins of the Shakya Clan) identifies the scene as part of a narrative concerning the lineage and history of Buddhism included in this comprehensive record of spirits and deities.