Oriental Classics in Translation

This plate features a detailed dorsal view of the Aburazémi cicada (Graptopsaltria nigrofuscata). The fine engraving captures the complex venation and mottled patterns of the wings, characteristic of late 19th-century natural history documentation.

This evocative scene depicts two figures in a small boat navigating a dark, churning sea under a night sky. A mysterious red flame, reminiscent of a 'hitodama' or spirit-fire in Japanese folklore, hovers near the vessel, adding an air of supernatural tension to the composition. The stylized waves and dramatic lighting highlight the vulnerability of the human figures against the vast, unpredictable ocean.

This frontispiece features the title of a classical Chinese text, 'Shanhaijing' (Classic of Mountains and Seas), rendered in bold, expressive calligraphy. The double-line border and structured layout are characteristic of Ming or Qing dynasty woodblock printing, reflecting the aesthetic and scholarly traditions of the period.

This intricate woodcut presents a dense, square-format geometric pattern reminiscent of square Kufic calligraphy. The interlocking lines create a labyrinthine effect, showcasing the sophisticated use of abstract design in early modern printmaking. Such patterns often carried symbolic weight, representing the complexity of divine order or the path of spiritual contemplation.

The Harvard University coat of arms is depicted here as a library mark, featuring three open books that spell out 'VERITAS,' the Latin word for truth. This emblem represents the foundational values of the university and its library, signifying a dedication to the pursuit of knowledge and scholarly integrity.

This woodcut depicts the mythical creature Gu (鼓), described in the 'Classic of Mountains and Seas' as having a human face and a dragon's body. He is said to reside on Zhong Mountain and is the son of the deity Zhulong. This 1667 edition, with commentary by Guo Pu, exemplifies the traditional Chinese style of illustrating fantastical beings through bold, expressive line work.

This emblem is the official seal of the University of California, featuring an open book and the motto 'Let There Be Light.' Established in 1868, the seal symbolizes the university's commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and enlightenment through education and research.

A lateral view of the Aburazémi cicada, highlighting its robust body and leg structure. Such illustrations were essential for taxonomic classification and the study of insect morphology during the era of biological discovery.

This woodcut depicts Emma Dai-Ō, the Buddhist King of Hell and judge of the dead. He is shown with his characteristic fierce countenance, wearing the traditional cap of a Chinese magistrate, reflecting his role in weighing the karma of souls.