1934 Rongbaozhai Edition of the Ten Bamboo Studio

Updated September 5, 2026

Complete facsimile of the letter paper collection of the Ten Bamboo Studio (Nanjing, ca. 1644). Peiping [Beijing], 1934. 4 volumes. 2nd edition. Richard Doetsch-Benzinger Bookplate. This famous set was originally compiled by Hu Zhengyan (c.1584-1674), a Chinese calligrapher, seal-carver and publisher in the late Ming Dynasty. Hu Zhengyan also styled himself "Ten Bamboo" his chosen name inspired by the small grove of bamboo he planted outside his house in Nanjing. In 20th century China, Zheng Zhenduo and Lu Xun recognized the importance of Hu Zhengyan's work and at their instigation Rong Bao Zhai commenced work in 1934 on a facsimile, although the set was not completed until 1941. HU YUECONG / HU ZHENGYAN tradition. Shizhuzhai Jianpu [Ten Bamboo Studio Letter Paper Manual]. Edited by Lu Xun and Zheng Zhenduo (Xidi). Beiping: Banhu Congkan Hui, printed by Rongbaozhai, 1934–1941. Complete in four volumes, thread-bound, in original folding case. Color woodblock printing with douban multiple-block printing and gonghua blind embossing. A recut facsimile after the Ming-period Ten Bamboo Studio Letter Paper Manual. Richard Doetsch-Benziger was a Swiss pharmacist, entrepreneur, patron, book and art collector. Doetsch was a member of the Herald Society and the Ex Libris Society and in 1957 donated his entire book collection, including valuable first editions and bibliophile volumes, to the Basel Museum of Applied Arts. This formed the basis of the Book Museum. His collection of East Asian decorative arts was exhibited in the same year. In 1953, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by the University of Basel.

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