Interpretation of Novels and Plays about Song Dynasty Judge Bao in the Chinese Illustrated Woodblock Editions and Popular Prints nianhua

The article aims to analyze various illustrations of court case stories about Song dynasty judge Bao Zheng (包拯, also named as Bao-gong 包公, Longtu 包龍圖, 999–1062), found in Qing woodblock editions the novel and popular prints nianhua, order determine how tales famous incorruptible have been transformed visual culture late imperial times. authors discovered several novels Judge Bao-gong, or Dragon-Design (Bao Longtu), St. Petersburg State University library including one illustrated edition non-illustrated ones. Hermitage other Russian collections hold an impressive number depicting scenes from traditional drama based on stories, while only them refer directly literary pieces, being mostly plays. protagonists are shown wearing theatrical make-up matching their character, is recognized by a black-colored face symbolizing his astuteness uncorrupted nature. attempts find connections between Shi Yukun’s 石玉昆 “The Three Heroes Five Gallants” (Sanxiawuyi 三俠五義, 1879), plays nianhua featuring Bao, which proliferated 19th — early 20th centuries. This research claims define sources types clarify book illustration, drama.