Jiangsu Dangkou · Huitong Hall

The old site of Huitong Hall is located at No. 6, Canghe North Street, Dangkou Ancient Town Scenic Area. It was the study room and book printing workshop of Hua Sui, a Ming Dynasty bibliophile, book engraver, and copper movable type printer. It was first built during the Hongzhi period of the Ming Dynasty. Throughout the history of printing in China and even the world, Huitong Hall stands as a remarkable monument. By proofreading and printing national treasures and classic ancient books, you have made an unparalleled contribution to cultural dissemination. The copper engravings of Huitong Hall also hold an indispensable historical position in the development process of human evolution. In you, we see the enterprising spirit of craftsmen who uphold integrity and innovation, the fearless character that does not shy away from challenges, and more importantly, we see the profound and explosive innovation of Chinese civilization, forged in the long river of time. Between paper and ink, a legacy of a thousand years is passed down. There are fifty known Ming Dynasty copper movable type printed editions, of which only thirty still exist, and about fifteen of these were printed by Huitong Hall. The 'Song Dynasty Ministers' Memorials' is considered the earliest evidence of copper movable type printing in China and is preserved in the National Library. You would be very happy and gratified to know this, wouldn't you?

Post by Lucas Ward | Aug 11, 2024