Shanghai Memory: The 1930s in the Paintings of Zhang Leping

Author: Zhang Leping
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-08-01
Features: Revisiting the Sanmao illustrations from the 1930s, with exaggeration in moderation and powerful lines, showcasing a mature artistry. Zhang's achievements in ink painting are second to none in China's cartooning world. When it comes to the artistic vitality of Chinese cartoon characters, Sanmao is the longest-lasting one. — Ye Gang
Nowadays, many nostalgic elders say Shanghai is half of China, especially regarding the 1930s as the golden age of old Shanghai. — Wei Shaochang
Zhang Leping's cartoon works from the 1930s depict a wide range of social realities. They reflect the diverse aspects of urban life, exposing the ugliness of old society and its characters, such as thugs, petty criminals, thieves, prostitutes, socialites, high-ranking officials, foreign sailors, and police officers. — Ding Jingtang
The works of Zhang Leping collected in this book were previously compiled in his early cartoon collections Urban Scenery, Bomb Without Eyes, and Orphan Girl. — Zhang Weijun
This book is the first to present Zhang Leping's early cartoons to readers, in memory of the artist. It collects 21 "Sanmao" illustrations by Zhang from before the 1930s, accompanied by insightful commentary. Additionally, it includes a large number of cartoons by Zhang from 70 years ago that depict urban life in Shanghai, vividly portraying the various aspects of old Shanghai in the 1930s. This also marks the first time readers have seen Zhang's artistic achievements in cartooning, which is divided into three parts:
1. 88 articles and over 100 cartoons written by authors Ding Yanzhao and Mr. Yu, based on Zhang's old cartoons. These lively illustrations allow readers to vividly understand old Shanghai, while the accompanying texts expand and enrich our knowledge.
2. 51 untexted urban scenery cartoons by Zhang Leping.
3. Illustrations by Zhang Leping for 6 novels by writers such as Lin Huiyin.