Three laughs fate

Author: Zhang Dihan
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-05-01
Features: The book's smooth and unrestrained freehand sketches vividly depict the graceful and lifelike figure of the famous courtesan Chen Yuanyuan. The romantic tale between the talented scholar Tang Bohu and Qiu Xiang is equally expressive and lifelike. Perhaps due to its extraordinary artistic skill or the captivating storyline, these two volumes of were carefully cut and compiled by some person, allowing them to be shared with the public today, undoubtedly adding a brilliant gem to the world of ! According to the renowned Luo Xixian, "These two volumes of have never been published after the founding of the People's Republic of China. They are particularly unique, with profound craftsmanship and a style reminiscent of Cao Hanmei. Although they lack the individuality of Cao's《》, they still hold great value for appreciation and reference."
As someone who grew up in the 1970s, was almost synonymous with those years. Decades later, when flipping through the yellowed pages again, it felt like an old photograph, suddenly revealing a nearly forgotten era of simple joy amidst today's hectic pace. It brought a sense of nostalgia and longing for the old days, a precious memory.
《》is a well-known folk tale, but based on this theme has never been published after the founding of the People's Republic of China. The illustrations in this book are from the classic by Zhang Dihan from the 1930s. During the 1930s and 1940s, the "Four Great Masters" of —Zhao Hongben, Qian Xiaodi, Chen Guangyi, and Shen Manyun—had not yet fully developed their styles. Yet, Zhang Dihan produced such exquisite works, making it rare in the world. His masterful artistry brings the characters to life, making them both lifelike and captivating.
Additionally, experts in collecting suggest that "Zhang Dihan" was not a professional artist at the time. 《》was merely a side project he created, and it was only serialized in old newspapers. As a result, this version is even more precious to modern collectors, and its publication marks the first time it has been released since the founding of the People's Republic of China, making it highly valuable for both collection and reading.
Another noteworthy aspect is the accompanying text. The colloquial and straightforward style of Zhang Banqing's writing exudes the gentle and flowing charm of Wu dialect from Suzhou and Hangzhou. Combined with the story's background and the cultural atmosphere of the old days, it creates a delightful sense of being in Suzhou and Hangzhou, perfectly complementing Zhang Dihan's exquisite illustrations. The text is not only humorous but also evokes a timeless beauty, with a touch of the simplicity of Jiangnan's water towns, leaving a lasting impression.
The publication of this was driven by the desire to prevent such a gem from being overshadowed by time. It aims to allow a wide audience to appreciate and savor the nostalgia of the past, leaving a comma in the timeline of modern life for a moment of reflection on bygone days.