About lithography

Printing was invented by Germans, and Daoguang was introduced to China. At first, it was necessary to write words or pictures on stone tablets, which had very limited use. Later, it can be popularized by taking pictures. The stone seal book began in Guangxu period, and its real popularity was Dianshizhai, followed by Wentong Bookstore, Datong Bookstore, Hongbaozhai, Fei Ying Pavilion, Wen Rui Pavilion and Sweeping Yeshan Pavilion. In the Republic of China, Xu said, "The best products are Dianshi and famous Englishmen".

Photolithography is essentially photocopying. Generally, you can see the following categories:

First, stone portrait novels, like operas. With the help of photographic technology, lithographs are more convenient and do not need carving, so lithographs like novels and operas are rapidly popularized. This is a very distinctive category in lithograph books.

Second, lithographic calligraphy and painting. This is also a new category. It turns out that calligraphy is basically only rubbings, so it is difficult to copy complex paintings with woodcut, and woodcut prints can not reach a very fine level.

Three, the original book lithographic ancient books, the original book enlarged or reduced after photography. Fine prints in such books can be confused if the ink is good and the printer is good. The same is true of the four series and ancient books of the Commercial Press. However, Xu believes that these four series are "far inferior" compared with the exquisite printed books of the prestigious British society.

Four, handwritten lithograph ancient books, hire people to copy the original book in print and then shoot lithographs. This kind of value is the lowest, especially in order to save labor and pressure costs, bookstores no longer use glossy paper for white paper, but use bad ink for good ink, which becomes more vulgar. Shi Yinben, which is common now, is mostly like this, and even affects the public's impression of lithographs. However, as a transitional printing technology, lithograph has its special significance.

Five, lithographic westernization new book. Some western language books introduced in the late Qing Dynasty and the Republic of China were either not lithographs or printed at the same time as Shi Yinben. This kind of Shi Yinben is still valuable.