Xu Longbao Woodblock Print Collection of Ex Libris

Author: Xu Longbao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-11-01
Features: A bookplate is an artistic work that expresses the charm of book culture and a special commemorative way for book lovers and collectors to cherish knowledge. It not only serves as a symbol of the book owner but also as a token of people's love for books. As an imported art form, bookplates were introduced to China around the 1920s and only experienced a resurgence and rapid spread after the reform and opening-up. Shanghai University is one of the higher learning institutions in the country that offers elective courses in printmaking and bookplate art. The establishment of these elective courses and their creative practices provide students with a positive atmosphere for reading, loving, and collecting books, contributing to their personal development and fostering their spirit of independence. Associate Professor Xu Longbao from our School of Fine Arts has been continuously exploring the art of bookplates over more than three decades of printmaking creation, especially in the past two decades of his artistic teaching career. His bookplate titled "Commemorating the Successful First Manned Flight of China's Shenzhou 5" was carried aboard the Shenzhou 5 spacecraft, making it the first printmaking bookplate to travel into space in China. This achievement has brought honor to our university and embodies its motto of "Strive for Perfection, Seek Truth and Innovate." To promote the development of bookplate art and actively advocate activities encouraging university students to read, love, and collect books, this special collection is published with great pleasure as the preface.