The Main Geographical and Artistic Features of the Illustrated Version of Romance of the Three Kingdoms in the Ming Dynasty

Resumen

The Ming Dynasty was a peak period for the publication and dissemination of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms," with many illustrated books emerging, forming various styles of schools. This article takes the illustrated version of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" from the Ming Dynasty as the research object. It comprehensively uses methods such as version studies and image studies to analyze its central publishing regions and versions and summarize the style characteristics presented by its primary regional schools. Firstly, this article conducts a version review of the illustrated version of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" from the Ming Dynasty. Based on the standards of publication time, region, and bookstore, it is divided into regional schools such as Huizhou, Jianyang, Jinling, Suzhou, and Hangzhou, focusing on composition, scene depiction, and line application and summarizing its artistic characteristics. For example, the illustrations in Jianyang are known for their rustic and rugged style and strong folk atmosphere. The illustrations in Jinling present the characteristics of exquisite elegance and rich literary interest. The illustrations in Suzhou blend the north and south styles, forming a unique "Su style" style. In addition, this article also explores the development and evolution process of each regional school at different stages. Finally, this article summarizes the artistic achievements and historical value of the illustrated version of "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" in the Ming Dynasty, pointing out that it provides rich visual materials for future generations and essential references for studying ancient Chinese printmaking history.