Shizhuzhai
Time-Honored BrandShizhuzhai · Jiangsu · Founded 1627
Founded in 1627 by Hu Zhengyan in Nanjing, Shizhuzhai is renowned for its douban and gonghua woodblock printing techniques. Its masterpieces, the Ten Bamboo Studio Painting Album and Letter Paper Album, set a milestone in color printing and influenced art across East Asia.
Brand Story
Shizhuzhai (Ten Bamboo Studio) was established in 1627 (the seventh year of the Tianqi reign, Ming Dynasty) in Nanjing by Hu Zhengyan, a distinguished publisher and artist. Hu, courtesy name Yuecong, originally from Xiuning, Anhui, later resided by Jilong Mountain in Nanjing. He named his studio after the dozen bamboo plants in front of his study. An expert in seal carving and painting, Hu devoted himself to color printing. Under his direction, Shizhuzhai completed the Ten Bamboo Studio Painting Album in 1627 and the Ten Bamboo Studio Letter Paper Album in 1633. These works employed douban (assembled blocks) and gonghua (embossed) techniques, elevating color printmaking to new heights and pioneering color printing worldwide. Shizhuzhai's woodblock water-printing not only marked a milestone in Chinese printing history but also deeply influenced Japanese ukiyo-e. Its cultural significance lies in blending literati elegance with folk craftsmanship, making it a representative of Jinling culture during the Ming and Qing dynasties.
Signature Products
A Ming-dynasty color-printed album covering flowers, birds, figures, and more, showcasing the exquisite douban technique. (Price range: several thousand to several hundred thousand yuan, depending on edition and condition.)
A collection of literati letter papers, with gonghua embossing creating raised patterns, highly valued for its artistic merit. (Price range: several thousand to several hundred thousand yuan, depending on edition and condition.)
Reproductions of famous historical paintings using traditional douban and gonghua techniques, suitable for collection and decoration. (Price range: several hundred to tens of thousands of yuan.)
Stores & Addresses
Located in: Jiangsu（江苏）
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Cultural Note
Shizhuzhai's douban and gonghua techniques represent the pinnacle of ancient Chinese color printing. Its works integrate poetry, calligraphy, painting, and seal carving, embodying the fusion of literati aesthetics and artisan skill, and profoundly influenced later woodblock water-printing traditions such as Rongbaozhai.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "China Time-Honored Brand" (中华老字号)?
A China Time-Honored Brand is a designation by China’s Ministry of Commerce for brands with a long history that inherit products, craftsmanship or services across generations and have operated continuously to the present.
When was Shizhuzhai founded?
Shizhuzhai was founded in 1627, originating in Jiangsu, Jiangsu, primarily in the Other field.
What is the signature product of Shizhuzhai?
Its signature product is Ten Bamboo Studio Painting Album. See the "Signature / Buy Online" section on this page for more products and shopping links.
Where can I find the official list of China Time-Honored Brands?
You can log into the MOFCOM "China Time-Honored Brand Information Management System", or browse this site’s brand directory — we have profiled 1,451 time-honored brands.
Sources / References
Brand fundamentals (founding year, heritage level, recognition batch) follow official sources such as the MOFCOM time-honored brand list. Story and encyclopedia: