Late Ming Hangzhou Square Engraved Quben The Study

Transcriptions of Chinese classical drama should date back to Yuan Dynasty, and Hangzhou, as a most important publishing center, also printed a fair amount of dramas. Evidently, among "Thirty Kinds of Yuan Dynasty Drama", there existed seven plays whose titles were clearly indicated with "ancient Hangzhou manuscripts". Along with the economic development, social changes, "Chuanqi" boom, engraving technology advancement and the rest, transcriptions of dramas in Hangzhou, again thrived in late Ming Dynasty. There is no disguising the fact that the plays of late Ming Dynasty in Hangzhou, in quantity, were less than those in Jinling; however, better in quality. Unique lists, outstanding formats, classic comments, delicate illustrations all said a lot for its excellent features. Considering its influences, no doubt, it had an impact on economic development of Hangzhou and citizens'living conditions. From a wider standpoint, I must say, it had achieved the far-reaching and lasting effect of spreading the plays, as well as benefiting drama research for latecomers.