Book Collection

Author: Lu Xin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-08-01
Features: The illustrations and photographs of bound books used in this book are all generously provided by Mr. Wei Li. Special thanks are extended to him. In the illustrations, there are two bookplate signatures: one is "Xi Yuan Shu Lou" (West Garden Book Tower), and the other is "Zhi Lan Zhai" (Orchid and Orchid Studio). Both are places where Mr. Wei Li collects books. "Xi Yuan Shu Lou" is concise and self-explanatory, requiring no further elaboration. As for "Zhi Lan Zhai," the characters "Zhi Lan" are taken from the phrase "shore orchids and island orchids" in "Record of Yueyang Tower," describing an elegant and ethereal demeanor. However, they can also be read in reverse homophone as "Ran Zhi Zhai" (scrap paper studio), a modest self-deprecation.