Three Laughs Fate (Collector's Edition · Republican Era Fine Comic Strip)

Author: Zhang Dihan
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-03-01
Features: The smooth and unrestrained freehand sketches in this book 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 vivid and expressive. Perhaps due to the extraordinary level of artistic skill, or perhaps because of the captivating storyline, these two volumes of serial illustrations were carefully cut and compiled by some person, allowing them to be shared with the public today. This undoubtedly adds a brilliant gem to the world of serial illustration collections! According to the renowned serial illustration artist Luo Xixian, "These two volumes of serial illustrations have never been published since 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 may not be as personalized as Cao's Jin Ping Mei, they still hold great value for appreciation and reference."
As someone who grew up in the 1970s, serial illustrations were almost synonymous with those years. Decades later, when flipping through the yellowed pages again, it feels like an old photograph, suddenly revealing a nearly forgotten era of simple joy amidst today's hectic pace. This prompts a comfortable reflection on the past, accompanied by a sense of nostalgia and preciousness.
The Three Laughs is a well-known and widely loved folk tale, but serial illustrations based on this theme were never published after the founding of the People's Republic of China. The illustrations in this book are classic works by Zhang Dihan, a renowned painter of monthly calendar illustrations from the 1930s. During the 1930s and 1940s, the "Four Great Masters" of serial illustration—Zhao Hongben, Qian Xiaodi, Chen Guangyi, and Shen Manyun—had not yet fully developed their styles. Yet, Zhang Dihan managed to create such exquisite illustrations, making it rare in the world of serial illustrations. His masterful artistry brings the characters in the book to life, making them both lifelike and captivating.
Additionally, experts in serial illustration collecting suggest that "Zhang Dihan" was not a professional serial illustration artist at the time. The Three Laughs was merely a side project he took on, and it was only serialized in old newspapers. As a result, this version holds even greater value for 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 collectible and readable.
Another noteworthy aspect is the accompanying text. The colloquial and direct style of Zhang Baoqing's writing perfectly embodies the gentle and flowing charm of the 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, complementing Zhang Dihan's exquisite illustrations seamlessly. The text is not only humorous but also imbued with the simplicity of the Jiangnan water towns, leaving a lasting impression.
The publication of this serial illustration was driven by the desire to prevent such a gem from being buried by time. It aims to allow a wider audience to appreciate it and recall the nostalgia of bygone days, leaving a comma in the timeline of modern life for a moment of reflection on the past.