28/07/2026
【書籍設計】細賞晚清通草紙畫，體驗東西相遇的異國想像
．
《異想中國》一書收錄了香港中文大學圖書館的通草紙畫藏品，主要反映廣州人生活的日常，如採茶、種米、娛樂、穿戴、花鳥等主題。此書以西式精裝畫冊為裝訂方式，封面與內文的整體設計兼具東西文化交融的特點，展現出雅正端莊、大方得體、簡潔自然的特色。
．
書名字體設計，我們使用了一種具楷書形態的宋體字，並把一些筆劃牽連在一起，帶出高雅、卻又有點奇異的感覺；英文書名則用上十分古典雅緻的草書，形成中西並茂的效果。為了模仿當年通草紙畫冊的錦緞封面，我們選擇以具有質感的黑色法國絨布作為材質，包裹著精裝硬殻；封面中央位置擊凹鑲嵌上一幅具西方繪畫風格、色彩豐富、鮮明的中國仕女通草紙畫圖像。中英文主書名使用燙金，副書名則使用燙銀，整體營造出低調、矜貴的氛圍。
．
內頁設計部分，每個章節的扉頁開版運用中式邊框，挑選通草紙畫中各式人物作去背處理，拼貼而成。跨頁中間特別加入一張牛油紙，以仿效通草紙的通透質感，印上文字與圖像，營造出若隱若現的效果、翻頁時增添趣味。
．
The aim is to create an exquisite gift book that subtly blends Eastern and Western aesthetic elements. The Chinese title is set in a custom typeface, designed specifically for the book. Based on a Song typeface but incorporating calligraphic elements, it features intentionally connected strokes, resulting in an elegant and whimsical feel. The English title, rendered in an elegant cursive script, complements the Chinese title perfectly.
．
The overall effect evokes a sophisticated Western art book, beautifully illustrating the concept of East-meets-West design. The book is bound in black velvet, with a recessed central panel showcasing an appliqué of a pith paper painting. The painting depicts two elegantly dressed Qing Dynasty ladies playing musical instruments on a finely detailed carpet, creating a distinctly Eastern aesthetic. The main title is embossed in matte gold, the subtitle in matte silver, adding to the luxurious feel.
．
For the layout design, each sectional pages framed with traditional Chinese decorative borders. Figures selected from pith paper paintings are cut out and collaged to form the compositions. A sheet of tracing paper is specially inserted to emulate the translucent quality of pith paper. Text and images are printed on the tracing paper creating a subtle, semi-revealed effect while adding a sense of interaction and surprise when turning the page.
．
文字整理：Winifred Sin
—
Book Title╱A Vibrant Voyage from China: Pith Paintings at the Chinese University of Hong Kong Library
Editorial Advisors╱Li Lai Fong, Ching May Bo
Photographer╱Wong Wing Kei, Kevin
Cover Material╱French Black Velvet
Design╱曦成製本 Hei Shing Book Design
Size╱245mm(w) x 195mm(h)
Publisher╱The Chinese University of Hong Kong
Year╱2024
---------------------
Discover more ▸▸
IG_
Email_ [email protected]
