Description:

Romance of the Western Chamber, 18th century.
Hsi-hsiang chi. twenty one acts or scenes printed here in eight sewn volumes; the first volume bears the (21) woodblock prints after Chen Hongshou's illustrations, depicting the story; originally a 13th-century / early 14th-century Chinese play by Wang Shifu...this a mid 18th century printing adaptation, printed in woodblock on finely laid continuous un-cut and bound sheets with acid free intra-sheets between each; housed in blue cloth covered boards with titles to spine and decorative inked label to cover.

The Yuan dynasty drama, Story of the Western Wing, by Wang Shifu, is the finest dramatic work of traditional China. It ranks with Tang Xianzu's Peony Pavilion, Kong Shangren's Peach Blossom Fan, and Hong Sheng's Palace of Everlasting Life as one of the four great classical dramas of pre-modern China, and has had a far-reaching influence on the literature and theatrical history of China. The plot of the drama is a reworking of the short work, The Story of Yingying (also titled Encounter with an Immortal) by Yuan Zhen of the Tang dynasty. The famous line from the play, "I hope that all under heaven who know love will be able to unite as husband and wife," subsequently became the ultimate wish for pure love. There have been many editions of Story of the Western Wing over the centuries. The Ming dynasty Secret Edition of the Northern Western Wing, Corrected by Mr. Zhang Shenzhi, published in the Chongzhen reign, is especially celebrated for its woodblock illustrations.

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  • Provenance: Literature
    The Story of the Western Chamber

    The romance of Western Chamber is one of the most famous literary Chinese works. The tale was written by playwright Wang Shifu during the Yuan Dynasty. The story narrates the love story of a young couple, who without the approval of their parents, consummate their relationship and delve into a relationship. The story, though written centuries ago, still holds cultural relevance to this day with films and television shows based on the play. Most significantly, the piece has been translated to hundreds of art works made by famous Chinese artists.

    Written during the seventeenth century, the play was originally deemed too controversial and immoral because of its implicit scenes of pre-martial sexual intercourse. However, despite its themes, the text still grew to be very popular. This was partially in result of the increasing demands of the wealthy urban class. Their taste for culture encouraged the texts popularity and the following illustrated versions of the text. One of these illustrated recreations include prints made by famous late Ming printer Min Qiji (1580-1661).

    Gen Hu. 2020
  • Condition: Scuffing and discoloration to covers; tie bindings are tight to each of the eight volumes.; interior laid papers show considerable yet expected discoloration with moisture staining to upper and lower edges; minor and subtle professional repairs scattered throughout. Overall a very good copy.

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March 13, 2024 10:00 AM PDT
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