Strange Tales from a Chinese Studio: Illustrated (Book Rhyme Building Series)

Author: (Qing) Huang Baishu Zhai Compiler
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-12-01
Features: The small bookcases, known as "jinxiangben," flourished in the Southern Studio and reached their peak during the Song Dynasty. Since the Ming and Qing dynasties, new designs have emerged with each generation. The term "jinxiang" refers to the small boxes used in ancient times to carry small items like towels and other miscellaneous belongings. Travelers and scholars carried these books with them at all times, as they were essential for reading during journeys and leisure. Thus, the size of these books was reduced to fit into the small boxes, making them portable for travel and convenient for reading at rest. During idle moments, they could be enjoyed and cherished. Although the jinxiangben is considered a minor branch in the forest of books, it upholds the spirit of Confucius's "Learn and practice in due time," and its contributions are equally significant.
However, in recent times, with the influence of Western culture, books have shifted to Western-style bindings. Following this trend, books have become increasingly cumbersome. Carrying them is like a burden for oxen, and reading them at night is a struggle. Worse still, some publishers prioritize profit over quality, favoring heavy boxes over valuable content, misleading readers and drifting far from the true essence of books.
The Ancient Society's jinxiangben series was created with purpose, drawing on the successes and failures of past jinxiangben to return to simplicity and elegance, promoting national culture. The design aims to keep the books small while preserving their essence; the price should be affordable while selecting high-quality versions; the selection should be purposeful, with a focus on personal taste and charm; the layout should be meticulous, with dynamic page designs. This is what is meant by pouring effort and heart into small series, making them so captivating that once seen, one cannot put them down.
Mountains need not be high to be sacred; books need not be expensive to possess charm. Thus, the series is named "Shuyun Xi" (Book Charm Abode), and refined gentlemen will surely appreciate its depth. This is the preface.