Spine

Author: Xu Weili
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-10-01
Features: The title "Dragon Bone" carries profound meaning, metaphorically referring to Chinese national culture as the bones of a dragon, itself indicating Mr. Weili's deep and unique understanding of Chinese culture. "Dragon Bone" is a book primarily focused on paintings, collecting nearly one hundred ink wash paintings of the humanistic customs and folk life in old Chengdu from the early 20th century. The black and white lines are concise yet vivid, collectively presenting a "River Scene at Qingming Festival" of Chengdu in the early years of the Republic of China. The painter is named Yu Zidan, who is now little known. Originally, these paintings were merely used as visual teaching materials for instruction at the time, but they were cherished and collected by Mr. Xu Weili, preserved, and later introduced to the West. When published in English, they were paired with Mr. Xu's witty and engaging essays, creating a perfect harmony. Today, both the painter and the writer have passed away, and their spirits have merged into this thin little book. It is truly a blessing that "Dragon Bone" has returned to its homeland for publication.