A Comprehensive Review of the History of Calligraphy and Painting Through the Ages

Author: Liu Dun
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-08-01
Features: This book was originally a bound manuscript with blue silk borders, contained in one box with four volumes, combining "A Comprehensive Study of Book History in Dynasties" and "A Comprehensive Study of Painting History in Dynasties." It includes biographies of over 5,000 ancient Chinese calligraphers and painters from the pre-Minguo era. Those renowned for both calligraphy and painting are marked with "See Painting History Entry" under their names in "A Comprehensive Study of Book History in Dynasties." It should also be noted that the title "Appendix: Names of Seal Carvers and Engravers" is listed at the beginning of "A Comprehensive Study of Book History in Dynasties," but it is missing. Additionally, two entries under the "Ling" section in the twenty-fourth volume of "A Comprehensive Study of Book History in Dynasties" are marked with "See Painting History Entry," yet the "Ling" section is absent from the "Painting History." This manuscript, though left by later generations with many precious and even little-known historical materials, is still incomplete overall. Originally published in 1936 (the twenty-fifth year of the Minguo era) by Liu Dun of Qingtian, the author's life remains unknown. It is now published in a photolithographic reproduction based on the original manuscript held by the National Library. The manuscript features elegant and pleasing calligraphy, making it a delight to read. To facilitate reader reference, an index titled "Alphabetical Index by Initial Stroke of Surname" has been compiled for this publication, offering another reference tool for researchers, enthusiasts, and collectors of Chinese calligraphy and painting history.