Wu Youru's Paintings Treasure (Volumes 1-4)

Author: Wu Youru
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 1998-01-01
Features: Wu Youru's Illustrated Treasury is divided into four volumes. The first volume includes over 100 illustrations of Historical and Modern Figures, over 100 illustrations of Hundred Beauties of All Ages, and over 100 illustrations of Hundred Beauties of the Sea. The second volume consists of Illustrations of Animals from China and Beyond, Illustrations of Birds from the Sea and Beyond, and Tales from Coastal Lands. The third volume contains Illustrations of Strange Tales from Mountains and Seas and Tales of the Ages. The fourth volume includes Illustrations of Social Customs, Illustrations of Famous Landmarks, Illustrations of Flowers, and Illustrations of Qing Dynasty Military Officials, among others. It is a grand and breathtaking collection, stunningly beautiful.
Illustrations of Social Customs, Tales of the Ages, and Illustrations of Famous Landmarks depict the lives and appearances of all social strata in late Qing society. The depictions are so vivid and detailed that they can be described as "painting with precision and engraving to the finest detail, piercing through the wood." From high-ranking officials and wealthy merchants to talented scholars, beautiful women, wise and foolish people, brothel keepers and courtesans, landlords and farmers, refugees and ruffians, to laborers and beggars—all are portrayed with lifelike accuracy, as if reflected in light. And their stories were swiftly spread across the land through Wu Youru's magical brushwork in newspapers. These works cover everything, and were the topics of lively conversation among the urban masses in their leisure hours. Others might be tales of strange foreign lands or eerie sea monsters; or they might depict the myriad antics of children, their charming and lovable expressions.
Each illustration in Wu Youru's Illustrated Treasury is accompanied by an exquisite essay. Some are grand and all-encompassing, leaving no stone unturned, while others are playful and witty, causing readers to burst into laughter. Both the paintings and the texts are delightful to read, a rare combination. This book is reprinted in a large 12-opening format, making it a rare treasure for study, appreciation, and collection.