• 2011-01-05

National Central Library has a rich collection of ancient block prints and Chinese New Year illustrations. As a way to allow the public the ability to view these original works and enjoy the beauty of cultural arts, Professor Wu Jialing from Huafan University was asked to plan an exhibition. The result, “Engravings & Illustrations of Life: An Exhibition of Ancient Block Print at National Central Library,” began on January 5. Housed on the fourth floor of the library, the exhibition has five different displays: Block Print Engravers, Illustrations Printers, Chinese New Year Illustration Print Shops, Chinese Drama Themes, and Block Prints in Literature. A total of 22 titles of ancient works and 6 Chinese New Year illustrations are on display. In addition to original ancient Chinese New Year illustrations and oversized prints, also on display are Chinese New Year chops made by Professor Wu and a five-color “Money Cart” chop set in NCL’s collection, which the visitors are invited to use. Guidebooks is also available that contain an article by Professor Wu entitled “An Overview of the Origins of Chinese Block Prints” and explanations of the items on display. Exhibited items are also viewable from NCL’s Special Collections Online Exhibit website for those who cannot come to the library.