The Study Of Red Prints And The Practice Of Engraving

Ever since the publication of A Dream of Red Mansions,people have become rather interested in the woodblock prints on this masterpiece.Among various editions,the Illustrations of A Dream of Red Mansions created by Gai Qi and Huai Pu is considered as one edition with highest artistic achievement that depicted precisely the original scenes of the story.However,few people probe into this edition from perspective of image and woodblock printing studying.In this thesis,by rearranging the woodblock prints of Illustrations of A Dream of Red Mansions,and conducting related discussion,the author will help us see though the imitation and innovation appeared among different illustrations,meanwhile summarize current researches on Illustrations of A Dream of Red Mansions,probe into the stories of the writer,artist and stories behind these woodcut prints,as well as categorize and identify different editions of Illustrations of A Dream of Red Mansions.Lastly,the author will recreate two artworks of Illustrations of A Dream of Red Mansions: Bao Chai and Ping'er,showing the original production process.