Fang's Ink Spectrum

Author: Fang Yulu
Publisher:
Publication Date: 2004-02-01
Features: Ancient Chinese woodblock prints, which predate Western counterparts by five hundred years, can be considered the birthplace of world woodblock printing. The Ming Dynasty marked the golden age of Chinese woodblock art, surpassing the achievements of the Song and Yuan dynasties and remaining unmatched by later Qing Dynasty prints. Among the Ming era, the Wanli and subsequent periods reached their peak. During this time, four major ink collections were printed, with Fang Yulu's Fangshi Mospu and Cheng Daju's Chengshi Muye being the most exquisite.
Ink collections depict the shapes and patterns of various types of ink sticks made by ink producers, but they are not ink molds. Ink molds are concave engravings with multiple layers and lines, used to press and create relief-style ink sticks, while woodblock prints are flat prints with raised lines. The two techniques differ in craftsmanship and purpose but can still draw inspiration from each other and be integrated.
For centuries, literati have cherished the arts of music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, as well as the tools of brush, ink, paper, and inkstone. Depicting the shapes and patterns of ink sticks has given rise to the extraordinary phenomenon of ink collections. Fangshi Mospu was compiled and edited by Fang Yulu, a native of She County (one of the three major woodblock printing centers of the Ming Dynasty), and is considered a masterpiece of Ming Dynasty woodblock printing. It holds a pivotal position in the history of Chinese woodblock art and has long been treasured by collectors and woodblock artists.
Fang Yulu meticulously sought out renowned ink producers and spent five years compiling the collection. The six volumes of Fangshi Mospu are titled: National Treasure, National Splendor, Historical Antiquities, Natural Wonders, Divine Artifacts, and Grand Treasure, covering themes such as figures, animals, mythology, legends, and history—truly a "comprehensive display of forms and texts." These illustrations are exquisitely detailed and breathtaking. It is no wonder that Qian Yunzhi once exclaimed upon seeing the collection: "In the Baigu Zhai shop, I encountered Fang Yulu's ink collection and was overwhelmed with amazement, thinking, 'Such a rare treasure exists in the world! My desire for it is as intense as hunger and thirst.'"
Even in ancient times, people craved this collection, let alone modern enthusiasts! Ink collections are frequently mentioned by collectors, yet they have long been rare in the market. Now, based on the Ming Wanli 15th-year edition preserved in the Peking University Library and referencing the Siku Quanshu Cunmu Congshu, the text has been carefully edited and annotated, with slight adjustments to the original order for better arrangement. The illustrations have been rearranged to maintain the book's authenticity while ensuring readability, undoubtedly satisfying the tastes of literati and connoisseurs.