Concelho

ref. 29030801 — Shaoshan n.d. ca.1950. Indigo blue stitched cloth binding in the Yao minority style 21 x 35 cm. covers very goodold dusty contents first page lower corner restored some old pencil marks seven hand-color outline illustrations plus 5 hand-painted lotus flowers and 6 color brushed Mao slogans on the verso of illustrated pages. The work appears to be a kind of minority color painted book stitched in a fascinating and unusually beautiful style commonly used by minority peoples. The book illustrations seems to have been black-outline printed first then later hand-colored with gouache type colors brushed in. Facing each illustration are found the slogans. On previously blank pages there are lovely lotus flowers a symbol of Buddhism. BINDING: The work was obviously hand-bound using indigo blue looks black and red cloth both appear to be hand dyed the indigo piece could be home-woven rough cotton. The white spine stitching is of a heavy thread and double stitched with extra "x" stitches to give a more "stunning" look. The corners are pre-bound with red after which over-layed with the indigo then stitched. This corner treatment gives the book a more protective binding and prevents wear. Obviously the book was bound with much attention and respect to protect the sayings of Mao. The covers are closed with red and green thick string tied into "frogs" to lock the cover when closed. This is a traditional clothing replacement for buttons. The work is in a limp cloth binding with a lovely feel and has quite charming looks. The book is 20 x 35 cm. when closed. CONDITION: The work has some old pencil scribbles on a couple of page corners as well as some old penned name/small note these do not detract from the whole and are minimal. There is a faint bit of old damp on some pages or their versos. Covers have some old dust on the front with a couple small light colored stains. We are overly critical surely the new owner will be pleased to acquire this one ! UNIQUE HANE-MADE HAND-DRAWN WORK: All in all an unusual item from the beginning of communism in China. The book was found in Changsha Honan province at the site of the Mao Museum open market. The seller looked like a minority Yao and stated she brought it from home which was also Mao's home town in Shaoshan. Regardless of the story the book appears to be precisely what she described it to be. In an effort to convince others of their devotion to Mao especially in small communities throughout China many minorities continued their handi-crafts and made Mao tribute pieces. Such favorite slogans as "LONG LIVE MAO 10000 YEARS" "DONT EAT TOO MUCH RICE" "SAVE COAL" DONE USE TOO MUCH COOKING GAS" "WORK TOGETHER" "BE POLITICALLY CORRECT." . unknown