Description

Special edition of Chuang Tzu printed using wooden movable-type techniques.

Movable-type printing has not been popularized after Bisheng invented it in the Song Dynasty. Printing in China has always been dominated by engraving before Gutenberg movable-type printing was introduced. In folklore, wooden movable-type printing became popular in the Ming and Qing Dynasties, and was used to print family trees. With the decline of clan culture, the techniques have gradually withered, and the craft, which has been passed down for 700 years, is almost extinct.

In the summer of 2020, Mr. Shaomu was invited to talk about his book printing legend in 7s Art’s online forum "Qi Tan". This legend is his experience of finding and restoring wooden movable-type printing. It stirred great enthusiasm at the time, and many friends expressed their support for Shaomu instantly. 7s Art decided to join Shaomu in his effort by publishing "Special Edition of Chuang-Tzu Printed and Collected by 7s Art'' overseas. All proceeds will be used to set up a special fund for preserving endangered handicrafts associated with refined cultural lifestyles.

About Chuang Tzu: Regarded as one of the greatest works of literature in the Classical Chinese canon, Chuang Tzu was written during the late Warring States period (476–221 BC) and was named for its author, Zhuang Zhou. It consists of stories and maxims that exemplify the nature of the ideal Taoist sage. It contains numerous anecdotes, allegories, parables, and fables, often expressed with irreverence or humor.

Chinese Name

《庄子》七堂典藏版木活字本 (第二次印刷版本)

Language

Chinese Traditional

Quantity

a set of four books

Cover

silk brocade, handmade by old craftsman

Paper

‘Jade Plate’ Single Xuan

Movable Characters

Pyrus betulifolia wood

Typesetting

black border, twenty columns, eighteen characters per column