History & Political Thought

This woodcut depicts Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, presiding over a scene of rural industry. Figures are shown plowing with oxen, harvesting grain, and storing the bounty, illustrating the goddess's role in teaching humanity the arts of cultivation.

A dynamic battle scene unfolds in this woodcut, illustrating the martial prowess of legendary heroes from Chinese history. The use of swirling clouds and energetic poses conveys a sense of movement and epic scale, typical of narrative illustrations from the late imperial period.

This woodcut illustrates the Roman myth of Saturn and Ops. Saturn, warned that one of his children would overthrow him, is shown in the center, while Ops (Rhea) lies in bed after giving birth. To the right, the infant Jupiter is being spirited away to safety, a pivotal moment in classical mythology that leads to the rise of the Olympian gods.

This woodcut depicts a famous episode from the 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms' where the hero Zhang Fei punishes a corrupt imperial inspector. The composition uses architectural elements and a symbolic crane to frame the dramatic confrontation, showcasing the expressive line work and narrative depth of traditional Chinese printmaking.