Water Margin Character Ranking Chart

Author: Cheng Jia Rui
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-03-01
Features: This book is drawn in the order of the 71st installment published by the People's Literature Publishing House in 1953: "Zhongyi Tang Shijie Shou Tianwen, Shanshui Ba Youxiong Pai Zuweis." The 108 heroes of Water Margin are derived from the 36 Heavenly Generals and 72 Earthly Fiends, each having a constellation name, such as Song Jiang being the Tiankui Star among the Heavenly Generals, and Zhu Wu being the Diqiu Star among the Earthly Fiends. The 108 heroes of Water Margin, the author had already painted them as an artist in the early 1960s. A disaster (criticism of Song Jiang's surrenderist faction) reduced others to ashes. In the 1980s, the author redrew them, already in his 70s, when his eyesight and hands were no longer as sharp, and finally completed this draft. The 108 heroes of Water Margin have been depicted by many famous painters in various forms and techniques, such as illustrations, group paintings, woodcuts, New Year pictures, special military portraits, and ink wash. Yet few have portrayed all the characters in the order of their seating arrangement, and even fewer have meticulously painted them with fine-line, richly colored flat painting. Though it follows the traditional folk art style that is popular among the masses, it is both refined and accessible, with unique characteristics. This book is a valuable resource for long-lasting appreciation and collection, as well as an ideal gift for friends and relatives. The author inherits the traditional techniques of fine-line, richly colored painting while adding his own innovations, showcasing his unique artistic skills and style. Not only does he meticulously shape the distinctive features of the characters, but he also creates a striking and original depiction in terms of their clothing, helmets, armor, weapons, and horse tack, setting a new standard and opening up fresh perspectives.