Book Belt Collection

Author: Chen Congzhou
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-07-01
Features: This is a collection of essays by the late renowned Chinese architectural historian and landscape artist, Professor Chen Congzhou. The book's title was inscribed by Ye Shengtao, and its preface was written by Yu Pingbo. Known for its elegant and classical prose, it is often hailed as a masterpiece in three aspects. Professor Chen devoted decades to exploring ancient architecture and garden art both domestically and internationally, accumulating profound knowledge and insights. His writings are thus classical, forceful, and erudite. His opinions on tourism development and preservation, as well as the restoration and reconstruction of ancient buildings, remain invaluable to this day. It is both heartfelt and scholarly prose.
Preface to Shudaiji by Yu Pingbo
The art of writing is intricate and multifaceted, with countless books on the subject. Its roots lie in two elements: natural charm and scholarly prowess. Natural charm is the ability to capture the essence with a single heart, while scholarly prowess encompasses all knowledge. As the saying goes, "learn from oneself nearby and from objects far away." Though times and tastes may vary, the fundamental principles remain the same. Like the two wheels of a carriage, they cannot be separated, yet their application requires balance. Those who emphasize natural charm are expressive and unrestrained, while those who prioritize scholarly prowess are disciplined and meticulous. Writing, at its inception, has no fixed rules, but as sentences accumulate into chapters, it must undergo repeated revisions to achieve perfection—this is where scholarly prowess shines. Its scope is vast, as everything one encounters is a source of learning. This is why the ancients advocated for "reading ten thousand books and traveling ten thousand miles."
Professor Chen Congzhou was a versatile, eager-to-learn, knowledgeable, and eloquent scholar, and he has known me for nearly two decades. We have weathered many changes and have recently reunited. Upon reading his recent collection of essays, I was struck by the magnificent landscapes, refined characters, intricate pavilions, and serene gardens depicted within. It felt like a journey through the world, as if hearing his whispers and sighs, revealing his deep appreciation for art and literature. His insights are far from superficial. He once remarked that while there are many branches of art, their foundations are one. As a master of architecture, let me use this as an analogy. The Qianmen and Wumen of the Jianzhang Palace dazzled the eyes, yet their true brilliance lay in their openness and clarity, revealing the artist's ingenuity. The interconnectedness and distinctiveness of various arts are perhaps similar.
He titled his residence "Zishi," where he composed poetry and prose, inked bamboo and orchids, finding harmony in every endeavor. When traveling, he sought wonders and explored ancient sites, his footsteps nearly covering the world. In his work, he was diligent and unwavering, overcoming all obstacles. Every cloud-draped pavilion and crumbling wall became a three-dimensional painting; every morning glow, evening mist, autumn moon, and spring flowers became grand works of art. Nature bestowed upon him wisdom...