Old Guangxu Illustrated Magazine: The First Issue of "Illustrated News" of Late Qing Society

Author: Liu Jingmin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: This book was originally a rare publication of its time, a bound volume of a news illustrated magazine printed by the Shanghai Shishi Newspaper Office in the first year of the Xuantong era. It was once known as one of the three most famous news illustrated magazines in Shanghai, alongside "Dian Shi Zhai Huabao" and "Fei Ying Ge Huabao." The magazine reported and recorded the major events and curiosities of the time, both domestically and internationally, from the highest court to the common people, from local neighborhoods to the West, covering all aspects of society—workers, farmers, merchants, scholars, and soldiers. Through over 1,300 illustrations, it vividly portrays the urban life of the era, presenting a true and lively picture of the customs and social scene of the late Qing Dynasty. It was not only a widely influential and popular news illustrated magazine of its time but also an invaluable historical material for us to scientifically understand history, study society, and appreciate life. It holds immeasurable historical value for understanding and researching the late Qing society. The main illustrator of this book, Mr. Li Shuhan, was a master of Chinese ink line drawing of his generation. He was deeply influenced by Western artistic styles but also possessed distinct traditional Chinese characteristics, demonstrating exquisite line drawing illustration art. This book holds great collectible value for historians, folklorists, sociologists, filmmakers, journalists, artists, and ordinary readers who are interested in the history and culture of the Republic of China.