Notes on the Illustrated Book of Sea Monsters · 2

This book, following "Notes on the Illustrated Book of Sea Creatures," is another in-depth interpretation of the Illustrated Book of Sea Creatures by Zhang Chenliang, editor of "Bowu" magazine. This second volume collects 24 of the author's latest research and research notes. Compared to the first volume, this second volume verifies over 40 original images from the Illustrated Book of Sea Creatures, enriching its content. Furthermore, the second volume reduces the proportion of modern photographs and increases the number of hand-drawn natural history illustrations from ancient Japan and Europe, resulting in a more classical style.
"Haicuo Tu" (Illustrated Collection of Marine Life) is a collection of marine life illustrations by painter Nie Huang, created during the reign of Emperor Kangxi of the Qing Dynasty. Using vivid images and text, Nie Huang depicts over 300 species, covering most major groups of invertebrates and vertebrates. He also documents numerous coastal plants, along with various oddities and customs he witnessed and heard along China's coast. The atlas was a favorite of Qing emperors including Emperors Yongzheng, Qianlong, Jiaqing, and Xuantong.
Due to the limitations of its time, the book's descriptions, while witty and entertaining, are sometimes exaggerated and both true and false. Since July 2015, the author has meticulously identified and interpreted the marine creatures depicted in the book through research, analysis, and comparison. His interpretation makes this remarkable Qing Dynasty work accessible to modern naturalists. The author's descriptions of each species combine observational records with documentary research, maintaining his characteristically rigorous scientific research with a down-to-earth, playful flair. The book utilizes original, authorized images from the Palace Museum's "Illustrated Collection of Sea Creatures," a Qing Dynasty work. Modern photographs, most of which were taken on location by the author or his close friends, offer readers a feast for the eyes and palate.

2017-10-01

中信出版社

China National Geographic Books

256

9787508680651