When it comes to classics, the “Four Great Classical Novels” of China are the most well-known among Chinese people. Many artworks use these novels as creative themes, displaying a diverse range of expressions across different forms. Literature excels in constructing classic images through language and text, while craft artists focus on uncovering the beauty of various materials' textures and employing ingenious designs to create exquisite art pieces.

April 23 marks World Book Day. On this book-scented day, let's see how craft artists interpret the “Four Great Classical Novels” in their unique way at the Chinese Traditional Culture Museum(CTCM), preserving the classics.

1. Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Exhibits in the "Prosperity Nourished by Chinese Culture" Hall:

- Jade carving: Three Heroes Fight Lyu Bu

- Metal craft: Wutong Silver General Jar

Exhibits in the "New Arts and Crafts Dedicated to the New Era" Hall:

- Dehua porcelain sculpture: Creating Brilliance Together

Exhibits in the "Living Figures" Hall:

- Shadow play figures: Guan Yu

- Shadow play figures: Ma Chao

2. Water Margin

Exhibits in the "Prosperity Nourished by Chinese Culture" Hall:

- Micro-carved gourd: 108 Heroes of Water Margin

3. Journey to the West

Exhibits in the "Prosperity Nourished by Chinese Culture" Hall:

- Lacquer thread sculpture: Sun Wukong Subdues the Demon at the Wave Moon Cave

Exhibits in the "New Arts and Crafts Dedicated to the New Era" Hall:

- Qingtian stone carving: The Return of the Great Sage

4. Dream of the Red Chamber

Exhibits in the "Prosperity Nourished by Chinese Culture" Hall:

- Porcelain sculpture: Twelve Beauties of Jinling

These exquisite artworks reflect the profound influence of the “Four Great Classical Novels” on Chinese culture and how different forms of art can bring these stories to life in new and exciting ways.