"Scrap Paper Still Fragrant -- An Old Collector Speaks

Author: Xu Yan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-11-01
Features: Anyone who has watched the film adaptation of Shen Congwen's novel "Chuntao" must have been captivated by the figure of a young woman shouting "scrap paper for foreign oil lamps" along the way. After she puts down the large paper basket she is carrying, the words "Respect for Paper" are prominently visible on her back. This profession of collecting scrap paper for oil lamps has likely been around for a long time in Chinese history. According to the author's description in the novel, after arriving in Beijing, Chuntao was unwilling to continue working as a maid for foreigners in Zongbu Hutong and instead found this job of collecting waste paper to make a living. After three years, she became quite skilled in searching for and collecting scrap paper in the alleys of Beijing. In addition to the small business of exchanging scrap paper for oil lamps, she also occasionally sorted through the "paper collected and exchanged" to extract items that could fetch higher prices, such as pictures or couplets and letters written by generals or ministers, and sold them to the second-hand goods owner Xiao Shi. She even sold them directly to the antique shops at the Beijing Hotel to earn extra pocket money. It is said that once she found a calligraphy by Kang Youwei and sold it for eight cents. Later, she even came across something even more valuable. She accidentally discovered a bundle of memorials from the Goryeo King to the Ming Dynasty Emperor in a batch of discarded paper thrown out by the Forbidden City, as well as two Song Dynasty papers stamped with the Great Seal of the "Dengming Hall of the Imperial Court." Those were worth several hundred dollars! The concept of "Respecting Paper" originated very early in China, perhaps as ancient as the era of Cai Lun's invention of paper. However, the emergence and popularity of this concept reflect the structural flaws of Chinese culture—in historical society, those who could read and write were as rare as phoenixes and fish scales. It was difficult for people who lacked the ability to inherit culture, record knowledge, and express thoughts through paper to truly recognize its temporal and spatial value. As a result, "Respecting Paper" could only become a philosophical advocacy, and those who followed it tended to develop a superstitious belief in the concept, rather than transforming it into a widespread, conscious practice. It is worth noting that the long-standing existence of the "Respecting Paper" concept, as a whole, has not been a blessing for traditional Chinese culture. I am too late to witness the exemplary behavior of my predecessors; by rummaging through literature, I aspire to trace the thoughts of the past scholars. In recent years, as the tide of books in China surges forward, chasing novelty and difference, I fear that there is a risk of forgetting our roots and losing our way. Therefore, I cherish the days and nights of wind and rain, compiling this collection titled "Old Paper Still Fragrant," which is roughly divided into three sections: "Reflections on Reading Old Books," "Scenic Spots in the Search for Books," and "The Tall Pile of Old Paper." This is to show that Chinese book culture not only has deep roots but is also long-standing. At the end of last year, I was greatly honored to be invited by the esteemed Mr. Tao Kai of Beijing to start the column "Yan Zhai Book Notes" in the journal "China Book Review" starting from the New Year. I collected and highlighted the stories of the book world and the words and deeds of my predecessors, which align closely with the purpose of this collection. Therefore, I included all the completed drafts—"After all, one's own writing is the best." But now, as spring equinox arrives, this stack of proofs is about to be published, and upon reviewing it for a week, I cannot help but laugh at myself. "Scholars who admire the ancient often study old paper every day" (Huang Zunxian, "Miscellaneous Feelings"). Although I proudly claim to have a deep affection for old paper and work diligently on the keyboard, I have actually made little discovery, let alone any profound insights between the lines. Thus, my fellow enthusiasts may also view this as a bubble in the vast sea of books. However, to be honest, the meaning of "Respecting Paper" truly resonates beyond the paper. The readability of my book may lie in these four words. "Respect for Paper," haha.