To mourn the deceased, to remember their virtues and achievements, all rely on the written word. Words can convey grief, encapsulate the demeanour and moral bearing of the departed, profoundly move the living, and enable a legacy to last for many generations.
In our time of the Republic of China, there are three kinds of memorial books. Funeral announcement or memorial advertisement delivered before the funeral is called fu-kao (赴告), fu-t’ieh (訃帖), fu-kao (訃告), fu-wen (訃聞), or fu-wen (訃文). Obituary or hagiography distributed at the funeral is called shih-lüeh (事略), chuan-lüeh (傳略), chien-li (簡歷), or hsing-chuang (行狀). After the funeral, funeral orations (祭文), eulogies (誄辭), condolence couplets (輓聯), condolence scrolls (輓軸), mourning lyrics (輓詞), mourning poems (輓詩), and other commemorative essays (紀念文章) are sometimes collected and compiled into a book, commonly referred to as commemorative book (紀念集). It has many names, such as commemorative album (紀念冊), commemorative anthology (紀念文集), record of remembrance (追思錄), record of mourning (哀思錄), record of honour and mourning (榮哀錄), record of mourning and honour (哀榮錄), documentary of mourning and honour (榮紀實), chronicle of personal history (史蹟冊), and so forth.
A prior announcement is delivered before the funeral, sometimes a printed obituary is distributed at the funeral, and occasionally a commemorative book is compiled after the funeral. For commemorative book, the travail of words engrosses substantial effort, often necessitating the involvement of funeral committee or the deceased’s former students and associates. Consequently, commemorative books are more commonly published for prominent political or military figures.
There are no rules regarding format, number of pages or content for these three categories of funeral announcement, obituary, and commemorative book. They can be put together separately or in some kind of combination, the layout can be simple or elaborate. The writings compiled in a commemorative book are often composed with deep emotions and earnestness, closer to the manifestations of literature, while the life stories being narrated are closer to the biographical depictions of history. Thus the commemorative book bridges the spheres of both literature and history. It provides invaluable resources for researching the deceased’s dates of birth and death, positions attained during a career in officialdom, personal character and accomplishments.
Front cover of Collected Eulogies of Mr. Wu Liu-tang (吳柳堂先生誄文正續合編)
Inside page of Collected Eulogies of Mr. Wu Liu-tang (吳柳堂先生誄文正續合編)
In ancient China, there were plenty of funeral orations (祭文), eulogies (誄辭), epitaphs (墓誌), recommendations for posthumous titles (諡議), mourning lyrics (輓詞), and mourning poems (輓詩). However, it is unusual to find a publication of commemorative writings dedicated to a single individual. Collected Eulogies of Mr. Wu Liu-tang (吳柳堂先生誄文正續合編) from the Kuang-hsü reign in the Ch’ing Dynasty is a rare example in my collection.
How then did commemorative book become popular in the early Republican era? During late Ch’ing, Western lead movable-type printing was introduced into China. It significantly lowered printing costs and made book production easily accessible. With the establishment of the Republic of China, the few thousand year old imperial system came to an end. The abolition of imperial authority led to the empowerment of public opinion and civic rights, enabling individuals from all social backgrounds to openly extol without restraint the virtues of their parents, compiling commemorative books in their honour, seeking to cast their forebears’ names in history. Such activity was constrained under the official hierarchy imposed by imperial rule. It is outright prohibited under Communist rule which denies the freedom of publication with additional perils of political purges. However, under the government of the Republic of China, such inhibitions and curtailments are absent, enabling commemorative book to emerge as a distinct cultural phenomenon. Nevertheless, commemorative book is dependent on classical literary skills. Funeral orations, condolence couplets, mourning lyrics and poetry, all involve fine classical writing. As classical literary education diminishes, commemorative book gradually disappears.
Over the years, I have collected quite a number of funeral announcements, obituaries and commemorative books. To facilitate the preparation of an index, they are here collectively referred to as memorial books. Nearly all the memorial books in my collection have been included in the recently published catalogue Mountains Ablaze–Exodus and Restoration, Preliminary Catalogue of Inkworks, Books, and Artefacts by Personages of the Republic of China 1946–1987 (烽火山河-南渡與復興，民國三十五年至七十六年賢達遺墨、書冊暨文物目錄初編). Yet it is still a great pity to realize over thirty memorial books have been left out. Furthermore, this Preliminary Catalogue only provides book titles without showing any photographs of the book covers, leaving many dissatisfied readers. The virtual exhibition titled A Collection of Memorial Books is henceforth offered.
Announcements delivered before funerals vary from simple to elaborate. It can be as simple as a single sheet, and it can be as elaborate as a book.
Front cover of Funeral Announcement of Madame Huang, Mother of Mr. Tai (戴母黃太夫人赴告)
On 25 February in the 18th year of the Republic of China 1929, the mother of President Tai Ch’i-t’ao of the Control Yuan (戴季陶院長) passed away. The funeral announcement appeared in the form of a sixty-two page book. The eight character calligraphy for the title slip of the book cover was written by President Hu Han-min (胡漢民院長) of the Legislative Yuan. The words are: Funeral Announcement of Madame Huang, Mother of Mr. Tai (戴母黃太夫人赴告).
The title page features the names of three generations of the Tai family: the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The contents are in the following order:
Inscription by President Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石總統)
A twelve character inscription by President Chiang Kai-shek (蔣介石總統) reads: “The Classic of Filial Piety, handwritten by Aunt Tai, Madame Huang” (戴老伯母黃太夫人手寫孝經).
Painting by Minister Wang Chen (王震部長)
Picture of a painting by Minister Wang Chen (王震部長) of Shanghai Transportation, titled The Virtuous Mother Writing The Classic of Filial Piety (賢母寫經圖).
Inscription by Mr. Wu Ch’ing-heng (吳敬恒先生)
A four character inscription by Mr. Wu Ch’ing-heng (吳敬恒先生) reads: “Mother of Mencius in today’s world” (今之孟母).
A long inscription by President Hu Han-min (胡漢民院長) of the Legislative Yuan reads: “The Confucianist pays attention to moral character, and filial piety is the foundation. The virtuous mother wrote this for her descendants” (儒尊德性，孝為本根，賢母書之，以遺子孫)
Inscription by President Ts’ai Yüan-p’ei （蔡元培院長）
A four character inscription by President Ts’ai Yüan-p’ei （蔡元培院長）of the Control Yuan reads: “This is filial piety indeed” (孝乎惟孝).
Mourning poem by President Yü Yu-jen (于右任院長)
A five character and eight line mourning poem by President Yü Yu-jen (于右任院長) of the Control Yuan, titled Aunt Tai Writing The Classic of Filial Piety (戴老伯母手寫孝經).
Inscription by Ambassador Wang Cheng-ting (王正廷部長)
A four character inscription by Ambassador Wang Cheng-ting (王正廷部長) to the United States reads: “Following the footsteps of Ou-Yang Hsiu (歐陽脩 1007-1072) and Su Shih (蘇軾 1037-1101)” (歐蘇遺躅).
Text of The Classic of Filial Piety, a twenty-four page calligraphy piece by Madame Huang.
After Madame Huang’s calligraphy of The Classic of Filial Piety, there follows a long colophon by President Tai Ch’i-t’ao (戴季陶院長) of the Control Yuan.
After Madame Huang’s calligraphy of The Classic of Filial Piety, there are other colophons by Chairman T’an Yen-k’ai (譚延闓主席) of the National Government, Chairman Chang Ch’ing-chiang (張靜江主席) of the Standing Committee of the Central Executive Committee of the Chinese Nationalist Party, Presidential Senior Adviser Li Yü-ying (李煜瀛資政), President Wang Ch’ung-hui (王寵惠院長) of the Judicial Yuan, Minister Wang Chen (王震部長) of Shanghai Transportation, Premier K’ung Hsiang-hsi (孔祥熙院長) of the Executive Yuan, Premier Sun K’ei (孫科院長) of the Executive Yuan.
Announcement regarding place of the funeral
Announcement regarding time of the funeral
Announcement regarding time and place of the funeral.
Last page of memorial essay by President Tai Ch’i-t’ao (戴季陶院長)
This funeral announcement not only conveys President Tai’s sentiment of filial piety, writings by his political peers also bear witness to the Confucian ethos of the early Republican period, the centrality of filial piety, the scholarly cultural heritage, and demonstrate in full their literary, calligraphic and artistic cultivations. A simple funeral announcement can be a vessel that transmits the essentials of Confucian teaching. This funeral announcement is also treasured for personal reasons. President Tai was married to the niece of my great-grandmother, and the book was consecutively collected by my late friends Mr. Huang T’ien-ts’ai (黃天才先生) and Mr. Chao Chung-ling (趙中令先生).
Funeral announcement of Mr. Chou Meng-po (周夢坡先生)
On 7 December in the 22nd year of the Republic of China 1933, Mr. Chou Meng-po (周夢坡先生), an eminent literary figure in Shanghai passed away. His funeral announcement is a four volume tour de force, long regarded by those knowledgeable in books as an unprecedented publication in the realm of mourning books.
Front cover of Funeral Announcement of Mr. Chou Meng-po of Wu-hsing (吳興周夢坡先生訃告)
Inscription on the title page by President Lin Sen (林森主席)
The first volume consists of 112 pages. The nine-character calligraphy for the title slip of the book cover by Minister of Transportation Yeh Kung-ch’o (葉恭綽總長) reads: Funeral Announcement of Mr. Chou Meng-po of Wu-hsing (吳興周夢坡先生訃告). The four-character inscription on the title page by President Lin Sen (林森主席) of the National Government reads: “The reticent glint of Long-ch’uan blade” (龍泉翳采). The contents are in the following order:
Portrait of Mr. Chou Meng-po with inscription
Portrait of Mr. Chou Meng-po with inscription by Mr. Wu Ch’ing-heng (吳敬恒先生).
Announcement regarding place of the funeral
Announcement regarding time of the funeral
Announcement with names of descendants
Announcement regarding time and place of the funeral, with names of descendants.
Ink rubbing of text engraved on stone stele titled The Life of Mr. Chou Hsiang-ling (周湘舲先生行狀)
The Life of Mr. Chou Hsiang-ling (周湘舲先生行狀) followed with an inscription by son Chou Yen-jeng (周延礽)
Ink rubbing of text engraved on stone stele titled The Life of Mr. Chou Hsiang-ling (周湘舲先生行狀). Chou Hsiang-ling was the original name of Mr. Chou Meng-po. The text was composed by Mr. Liu Ming-tsao (劉銘藻先生), the calligraphy was written by Mr. Ye Wei-ming (葉為銘先生), followed with an inscription by son Chou Yen-jeng (周延礽).
Ink rubbing of mourning poem engraved on stone stele by Governor Yeh Chu-chang (葉楚傖主席) of Kiangsu Province
Ink rubbing of mourning poem engraved on stone stele by Mr. Chen Yen (陳衍先生)
Ink rubbings of mourning poems engraved on stone stelae by President Wang Ching-wei (汪精衞院長) of the National Government, Governor Yeh Chu-chang (葉楚傖主席) of Kiangsu Province, President Yü Yu-jen (于右任院長) of the Control Yuan, Mr. Chen Yen (陳衍先生), Vice Premier Ku Meng-yü (顧孟餘副院長) of the Executive Yuan, Mr. Li Shou-hsi (李壽熙先生), Premier Sun K’ei (孫科院長) of the Executive Yuan, Mr. Ch’en Chih (陳直先生), Committee Member Ch’en Ch’i-ts’ai (陳其采委員) of the National Government, Mr. Lin Kun-hsiang (林鵾翔先生).
Ink rubbing of a five-character and eight-line regulated mourning poem engraved on stone stele by Director Hu Pu-an (胡樸安館長).
Ink rubbing of a poem engraved on stone stele titled Poem to Mourn Mr. Chou Hsiang-ling (周湘舲先生輓詩) by Mr. Yang Ch’ien-li (楊千里先生).
Ink rubbings of poems engraved on stone stelae titled Thirty-three Rhymes to Mourn Head Poet Meng-po (哭夢坡社長三十三韻) by Mr. Wang Yün-chang (王蕰章先生).
Ink rubbings of eight-line regulated mourning poems engraved on stone stelae by Mr. Shen Yin-mo (沈尹默先生), Mr. Chu Min-i (褚民誼先生), Mr. Tu Chun (杜純先生), Mr. Wu Yung-wei (吳用威先生).
Ink rubbings of seven-character and eight-line regulated mourning poems engraved on stone stelae by Provincial Graduate Hsü Nai-ch’ang (徐乃昌孝廉), Provincial Graduate Yün Yü-ling (惲毓齡孝廉), Minister Wang Chen (王震部長) of Shanghai Transportation, Minister of Transportation Yeh Kung-ch’o (葉恭綽總長), Second Graduate of Metropolitan Examination Yü Chang-lin (喻長霖榜眼), President Chang Chi (張繼院長) of the Senate, President Chu Cheng (居正院長) of the Judicial Yuan.
Ink rubbings of eulogies engraved on stone stelae by Mr. Lin Pao-heng (林葆恆先生) and Mr. Liu Chao-yü (劉肇隅先生).
Front cover of Pictorial Biography of Meng-po (夢坡畫史)
The second volume consists of 24 folded pages. The four character inscription for the title slip of the book cover by Minister Wang Cheng (王震部長) of Shanghai Transportation reads: Pictorial Biography of Meng-po (夢坡畫史). The contents are in the following order:
Calligraphy by Mr. Wu Ch’ang-shuo (吳昌碩先生)
Calligraphy by Mr. Wu Ch’ang-shuo (吳昌碩先生) reads: Pictorial Biography of Meng-po (夢坡畫史).
Foreword of Pictorial Biography of Meng-po (夢坡先生畫史序)
Foreword of Pictorial Biography of Meng-po (夢坡先生畫史序), composed by Mr. P’ang Yüan-chi (龐元濟先生) and calligraphy by Mr. Shen Jung (沈鏞先生).
Picture of painting titled Mr. Meng-po Calling On Prunus (夢坡先生探梅圖)
Picture of painting titled Mr. Meng-po Calling On Prunus (夢坡先生探梅圖) by Minister Wang Chen (王震部長) of Shanghai Transportation.
Picture of painting titled A Literary Gathering on Celestial Mountain (蓬山雅集圖)
Picture of painting titled A Literary Gathering on Celestial Mountain (蓬山雅集圖) by Mr. Wu Shih-hsien (吳石僊先生).
Picture of painting titled Taking a Nap at Fishing Podium (釣臺假寐圖)
Picture of painting titled Taking a Nap at Fishing Podium (釣臺假寐圖) by Mr. Huang Shan-shou (黃山壽先生).
Picture of painting titled Enjoying Wine on Southern Lake (南湖載酒圖)
Picture of painting titled Enjoying Wine on Southern Lake (南湖載酒圖) by Mr. P’an Chen-jung (潘振鏞先生).
Picture of painting titled Burning Incense and Writing Sutra (焚香寫經圖) by Mr. Yü Ming (俞明先生).
Picture of painting titled Painting Prunus Trees for Ling-feng Temple (靈峰補梅圖) by Mr. Ch’in San-sou (秦散叟先生).
Picture of painting titled Commemorating the Birthday of Su Tung-p’o in a Rustic Shed (茅盦祀蘇圖) by Mr. Ho Wei-p’u (何維樸先生).
Picture of painting titled Releasing Cranes in Liu Garden (留園放鶴圖) by Mr. Ni T’ien (倪田先生).
Picture of painting titled Poetry Gathering on the Shore of Wu-sung River (淞濱結社圖) by Mr. Jen Yüeh-chün (任越隽先生).
Picture of painting titled Building a Pagoda at Li-An (理安建塔圖) by Mr. P’u Chin (溥伒先生).
Picture of painting titled Hsiu-hsi Festival Party at Yü Garden (愚園修禊圖) by Mr. Lu Lien-fu (陸廉夫先生).
Picture of painting titled Gazing Afar from Chü-yung Pass (居庸遠眺圖) by Mr. Chin Ch’eng (金城先生).
Picture of painting titled Rowing a Boat on East Lake (東湖泛櫂圖) by Mr. P’ang Lai-chên (龐萊臣先生).
Picture of painting titled Reeds Surround the Poets Hall (草堂蘋薦圖) by Vice Minister of Education Ch’en Ts’ang-ch’iu (陳曾壽侍郎).
Picture of painting titled Visiting Sung Prunus in Chao Mountain (超山訪梅圖) by Mr. Lin Ch’in-nan (林琴南先生).
Picture of painting titled Passageway in T’ien-t’ung Pass (天童關徑圖) by Mr. Chao Shu-ju (趙叔孺先生).
Picture of painting titled Rigorous Thoughts to Rectify Deficiencies (文深補闕圖) by Mr. Kuo Lan-chih (郭蘭枝先生).
Picture of painting titled Tracing the Headwaters of Fu Stream (阜溪尋源圖) by Mr. Feng Ch’ao-jen (馮超然先生).
Picture of painting titled Building a Bridge in Tien-mu Mountain (天目建橋圖) by Mr. Wu Cheng (吳徵先生).
Picture of painting titled Composing Tz’u Lyrics with Fellow Poets (漚社填詞圖) by Mr. Wu Hu-fan (吳湖帆先生).
Front cover of The Tombstone and Epitaph of Mr. Chou Meng-po of Wu-hsing
The third volume consists of 66 pages. The twelve character inscription for the title slip on the book cover by Mr. Wang Yün-chang (王蕰章先生) reads: The Tombstone and Epitaph of Mr. Chou Meng-po of Wu-hsing (吳興周夢坡先生墓表墓誌銘). The contents are in the following order:
Calligraphy by Mr. Chao Shu-ju (趙叔孺先生) reads: The Tombstone of Mr. Chou Meng-po of Wu-hsing (吳興周夢坡先生墓表).
Ink rubbing of horizontal calligraphy by Mr. Wu Ching-heng (吳敬恒先生) engraved on the upper part of tombstone. The words in seal script are The Tombstone of Mr. Chou of Wu-hsing (吳興周先生之墓表).
The Tombstone of Mr. Chou Hsiang-ling of Wu-hsing (吳興周湘舲先生墓表)
Ink rubbing of text engraved on tombstone reads The Tombstone of Mr. Chou Hsiang-ling of Wu-hsing (吳興周湘舲先生墓表). Text composed by President Wang Ching-wei (汪精衞院長) of the National Government, calligraphy by President Yü Yu-jen (于右任院長) of the Control Yuan.
Inscription by Mr. Tan Tse-k’ai (譚澤闓先生)
Inscription by Mr. Tan Tse-k’ai (譚澤闓先生) reads: The Epitaph of Mr. Chou Hsiang-ling of Wu-hsing (吳興周君湘舲墓志銘).
The Epitaph of Mr. Chou Hsiang-ling of Wu-hsing (吳興周君湘舲墓志銘)
Ink rubbing of horizontal seal script by Mr. Wang Fu-an (王福庵先生) engraved on the upper part of the tombstone. The words are: The Epitaph of Mr. Chou Hsiang-ling of Wu-hsing (吳興周君湘舲墓志銘).
Ink rubbing of text engraved on tombstone, the words are: The Epitaph of Mr. Chou Hsiang-ling of Wu-hsing (吳興周君湘舲墓志銘). Text composed by Mr. Chang Ping-lin (章炳麟先生), calligraphy by Mr. Chu Te-i (褚德彝先生).
Front cover of Chronicle of the Life of Mr. Chou Meng-po of Wu-hsing (吳興周夢坡先生年譜)
Inscription by Mr. Shen Yin-mo (沈尹默先生)
The fourth volume consists of 134 pages. The nine character calligraphy inscription for the title slip of the book cover by Mr. Shen Yin-mo (沈尹默先生) reads: Chronicle of the Life of Mr. Chou Meng-po of Wu-hsing (吳興周夢坡先生年譜). The contents are in the following order:
First page of Introduction to Chronicle of the Life of Mr. Chou Meng-po (周夢坡先生年譜序)
Last page of Introduction to Chronicle of the Life of Mr. Chou Meng-po (周夢坡先生年譜序)
Introduction to Chronicle of the Life of Mr. Chou Meng-po (周夢坡先生年譜序), written by President Tai Ch’i-t’ao (戴季陶院長) of the Examination Yuan.
First page of Introduction (序) by President Chang Ching-chiang (張靜江主席)
Last page of Introduction (序) by President Chang Ching-chiang (張靜江主席)
Introduction (序) by President Chang Ching-chiang (張靜江主席) of the Standing Committee of the Executive Committee of the Chinese Nationalist Party.
Chronicle of the Life of Mr. Chou Meng-po of Wu-hsing
The names of Mr. Chou Meng-po that appeared in the Chronicle manuscript were filled in by President Ts’ai Yüan-p’ei
Chronicle of the Life of Mr. Chou Meng-po of Wu-hsing written by the son Chou Yen-jeng (周延礽),
The names of Mr. Chou Meng-po that appeared in the Chronicle manuscript were filled in by President Ts’ai Yüan-p’ei (蔡元培院長) of the Control Yuan on behalf of the son. It is a traditional act of filial piety towards the late father.
Mr. Chou Meng-po (周夢坡先生) was a salt merchant from Wu-hsing (吳興) who lived in Shanghai. He was a major collector of his generation and a distinguished poet, calligrapher and instrumentalist of the zither. His wide circle of friendships came from the world of politics, loyalists of the Ch’ing dynasty, the literary and artistic communities. His son Chou Yen-jeng (周延礽) was exceptionally devoted to him, making this monumental memorial book possible. As for the inscriptions in the four volumes, those from politics are: President Lin Sen (林森主席), Mr. Wu Ching-heng (吳敬恒先生), President Wang Ching-wei (汪精衞院長), President Yeh Chu-chang (葉楚傖主席), President Yü Yu-jen (于右任院長), Premier Sun K’ei (孫科院長), Minister Wang Chen (王震部長), Minister Yeh Kung-ch’o (葉恭綽總長), President Chang Chi (張繼院長), President Chu Cheng (居正院長), Mr. Chang Ping-lin (章炳麟先生), President Tai Ch’i-t’ao (戴季陶院長), President Chang Ching-chiang (張靜江主席), President Ts’ai Yüan-p’ei (蔡元培院長) and others. Loyalists of the Ch’ing dynasty are: Mr. P’u Chin (溥伒先生), Vice Minister Ch’en Tseng-shou (陳曾壽侍郎), Mr. Lin Ch’in-nan (林琴南先生) and others. Those from the literary community are: Mr. Chen Yen (陳衍先生), Mr. Lin Kun-hsiang (林鵾翔先生), Mr. Hu Pu-an (胡樸安先生), Mr. Yang Ch’ien-li (楊千里先生) and others. Those from the artistic community are: Mr. Ye Wei-ming (葉為銘先生), Mr. Wang Yün-chang (王蕰章先生), Mr. Shen Yin-mo (沈尹默先生), Mr. Wu Ch’ang-shuo (吳昌碩先生), Mr. P’ang Lai-ch’en (龐萊臣先生), Mr. Wu Shih-hsien (吳石僊先生), Mr. P’an Chen-jung (潘振鏞先生), Mr. Ni T’ien (倪田先生), Mr. Lu Hui (陸恢先生), Mr. Chin Ch’eng (金城先生), Mr. Chao Shu-ju (趙叔孺先生), Mr. Feng Ch’ao-jan (馮超然先生), Mr. Wu Cheng (吳徵先生), Mr. Wu Hu-fan (吳湖帆先生) and others.
The thriving state of classical studies, cultural vitality, individual refinement in those early years of the Republic of China certainly compel later generations to dwell deep in nostalgia.
The printed obituary distributed on the day of the funeral typically features a portrait of the deceased on the cover or inside page, sometimes an eminent person is invited to write an inscription above or below the portrait. As the mourner gazes at the portrait in solemn silence and read the life account, all the familial bond or friendship reappears scene after scene.
Examining the obituaries in my collection, some examples are:
Front cover of A Biographical Sketch of Mr. Yü Yu-jen (于右任先生事略)
Inside page of A Biographical Sketch of Mr. Yü Yu-jen (于右任先生事略)
A Biographical Sketch of Mr. Yü Yu-jen (于右任先生事略) features an inscription above the portrait by Premier Chang Ch’ün (張群院長) of the Executive Yuan. It reads: “Portrait of Mr. Yü Yu-jen ” (于右任先生遺像).
Front cover of A Biographical Sketch of Mr. P’u Hsin-yü (溥心畬先生事略)
Inside page of A Biographical Sketch of Mr. P’u Hsin-yü (溥心畬先生事略)
The cover of A Biographical Sketch of Mr. P’u Hsin-yü (溥心畬先生事略) features an inscription by President Yü Yu-jen (于右任院長) of the Control Yuan. It reads: “Portrait of Mr. P’u Hsin-yü” (溥心畬先生遺像).
Front cover of A Biographical Sketch of Mr. Cheng Man-ch’ing (鄭曼青先生事略)
Inside page of A Biographical Sketch of Mr. Cheng Man-ch’ing (鄭曼青先生事略)
The cover of A Biographical Sketch of Mr. Cheng Man-ch’ing (鄭曼青先生事略) features an inscription by Minister of the Interior Ku Cheng-kang (谷正綱部長). It reads: “Portrait of Mr. Cheng Man-ch’ing” (鄭曼青先生遺像).
Front cover of A Biographical Sketch of Mr. Chiang Mon-lin (蔣夢麟先生事略)
Inside page of A Biographical Sketch of Mr. Chiang Mon-lin (蔣夢麟先生事略)
The cover of A Biographical Sketch of Mr. Chiang Mon-lin (蔣夢麟先生事略) features an inscription by Vice President Lo Chia-lun (羅家倫副院長) of the Examination Yuan. It reads: “A Biographical Sketch of Mr. Chiang Mon-lin” (蔣夢麟先生事略);
Front cover of A Biographical Sketch of Mr. Yüan Shou-ch’ien (袁守謙先生簡歷)
Inside page of A Biographical Sketch of Mr. Yüan Shou-ch’ien (袁守謙先生簡歷)
The title page of A Biographical Sketch of Mr. Yüan Shou-ch’ien (袁守謙先生簡歷) features an inscription by President Huang Shao-ku (黃少谷院長) of the Judicial Yuan. It reads: “Portrait of Mr. Yüan Shou-ch’ien” (袁守謙先生遺像).
Inscriptions by eminent figures amplify the gravity and solemnity of obituaries.
With the eastward spread of Western religions since the nineteenth century, there is now a vast number of Chinese converts. Apart from the traditional obituary, a new format titled Memorial Service appears. Some examples in my collection are:
Front cover of Memorial Service of Mr. Chang Kung-ch’üan (張公權先生追思禮拜)
Inside page of Memorial Service of Mr. Chang Kung-ch’üan (張公權先生追思禮拜)
Memorial Service of Mr. Chang Kung-ch’üan (張公權先生追思禮拜).
Front cover of Memorial Service of Dr. Lin Yü-t’ang (林語堂博士追思禮拜)
Inside page of Memorial Service of Dr. Lin Yü-t’ang (林語堂博士追思禮拜)
Memorial Service of Dr. Lin Yü-t’ang (林語堂博士追思禮拜).
Front cover of Memorial Service on the First Death Anniversary of the Late President Wang Liang ch’ou (王故院長亮疇先生逝世一週年紀念追思禮拜)
Inside page of Memorial Service on the First Death Anniversary of the Late President Wang Liang ch’ou (王故院長亮疇先生逝世一週年紀念追思禮拜)
Memorial Service on the First Death Anniversary of the Late President Wang Liang ch’ou (王故院長亮疇先生逝世一週年紀念追思禮拜).
Front cover of Memorial Service for the Late President Chiang Ching-kuo’s Wife, Madame Fang-liang (蔣故總統 經國先生夫人方良女士追思禮)
Inside page of Memorial Service for the Late President Chiang Ching-kuo’s Wife, Madame Fang-liang (蔣故總統 經國先生夫人方良女士追思禮)
In December of the 93rd year of the Republic of China 2004, wife of the late President Chiang Ching-kuo passed away. I was entrusted by Aunt Chiang Hsü Nai-chin (蔣徐乃錦伯母) to design and print a booklet titled Memorial Service for the Late President Chiang Ching-kuo’s Wife, Madame Fang-liang (蔣故總統 經國先生夫人方良女士追思禮). Director Chien Ling-chu (錢玲珠主任) from the Research Center for Liturgy of the Faculty of Theology of Fu Jen University (輔仁大學) advised on the hymns and order of service. The booklet was used for the memorial service held on 8 January 2005 at the Holy Family Catholic Church, Taipei. When Aunt Chiang Hsu Nai-chin herself passed away in August 2005, I was given the responsibility to design and print the booklet titled Memorial Service for Madame Chiang Hsü Nai-chin (蔣徐乃錦女士追思禮). Reading it now brings back a flood of memories.
Front cover of Memorial Service for Madame Chiang Hsü Nai-chin (蔣徐乃錦女士追思禮)
Inside page of Memorial Service for Madame Chiang Hsü Nai-chin (蔣徐乃錦女士追思禮)
In December of the 38th year of the Republic of China 1949, the Central Government of China relocated to Taiwan. Countless reconstruction tasks awaited initiations and resolutions. Within a few years, a number of founding leaders and senior statesmen passed away in succession.
Front cover of Commemorative Book of the Public Memorial for Mr. Ch’en Kuo-fu (公祭陳果夫先生紀念冊)
Inside page of Commemorative Book of the Public Memorial for Mr. Ch’en Kuo-fu (公祭陳果夫先生紀念冊)
Vice President Ch’en Kuo-fu (陳果夫副院長) of the Control Yuan died in September of the 40th year of the Republic 1949. Commemorative Book of the Public Memorial for Mr. Ch’en Kuo-fu (公祭陳果夫先生紀念冊) was produced.
Front cover of Record of Mourning for Mr. Chu Chüeh-sheng (居覺生先生哀思錄)
Inside page of Record of Mourning for Mr. Chu Chüeh-sheng (居覺生先生哀思錄)
President Chu Cheng (居正院長) of the Judicial Yuan died in November of the 40th year of the Republic 1951. Record of Mourning for Mr. Chu Chüeh-sheng (居覺生先生哀思錄) was produced.
Front cover of In Memory of Mr. Wu Chih-hui (吳稚暉先生紀念集)
Inside page of In Memory of Mr. Wu Chih-hui (吳稚暉先生紀念集)
Mr. Wu Ching-heng (吳敬恒先生) died in October of the 42nd year of the Republic 1953. In Memory of Mr. Wu Chih-hui (吳稚暉先生紀念集) was produced.
Front cover of In Memory of Mr. Wu T’ieh-ch’eng (吳鐵城先生紀念集)
Inside page of In Memory of Mr. Wu T’ieh-ch’eng (吳鐵城先生紀念集)
Vice Premier Wu T’ieh-ch’eng (吳鐵城副院長) of the Executive Yuan died in November of the 42nd year of the Republic 1953. In Memory of Mr. Wu T’ieh-ch’eng (吳鐵城先生紀念集) was produced.
Front cover of Record of Honour and Condolence of Mr. Ch’en Po-nan (陳伯南先生榮哀錄)
Inside page of Record of Honour and Condolence of Mr. Ch’en Po-nan (陳伯南先生榮哀錄)
Provincial Governor Ch’en Chi-t’ang (陳濟棠省主席) of Kwangtung Province died in November of the 43rd year of the Republic 1954. Record of Honour and Condolence of Mr. Ch’en Po-nan (陳伯南先生榮哀錄) was produced.
Front cover of In Memory of the Late President Wang Liang-ch’ou of the Judicial Yuan (司法院王故院長亮疇先生紀念集)
Inside page of In Memory of the Late President Wang Liang-ch’ou of the Judicial Yuan (司法院王故院長亮疇先生紀念集)
President Wang Ch’ung-hui (王寵惠院長) of the Judicial Yuan died in March of the 47th year of the Republic 1958. In Memory of the Late President Wang Liang-ch’ou of the Judicial Yuan (司法院王故院長亮疇先生紀念集) was produced.
Despite political instability and financial hardship, the Central Government of China in Taiwan maintained the ceremonial grandeur of the past by honouring its founding fathers and statesmen with commemorative books. These efforts safeguarded their legacies for future generations, imparted enduring lessons and commenced the custom of commemorative books in Taiwan that thrived for nearly three decades.
Commemorative books are usually published and printed a few months after the funeral, although some are released years later to mark significant anniversaries, such as the tenth death anniversary or the twentieth death anniversary, acknowledging the abiding devotion of family and friends. Some examples in my collection are:
In Memory of Mr. Wu T’ieh-ch’eng (吳鐵城先生紀念集), published in the 43rd year of the Republic of China 1954.
Front cover of In Memory of Comrade T’ieh-ch’eng on His 10th Death Anniversary (鐵城同志逝世十週年紀念)
Inside page of In Memory of Comrade T’ieh-ch’eng on His 10th Death Anniversary (鐵城同志逝世十週年紀念)
In Memory of Comrade T’ieh-ch’eng on His 10th Death Anniversary (鐵城同志逝世十週年紀念), published in the 52nd year of the Republic of China 1963.
Front cover of In Memory of Mr. Wu T’ieh-cheng on His 20th Death Anniversary (吳鐵城先生逝世二十週年紀念集)
Inside page of In Memory of Mr. Wu T’ieh-cheng on His 20th Death Anniversary (吳鐵城先生逝世二十週年紀念集)
In Memory of Mr. Wu T’ieh-cheng on His 20th Death Anniversary (吳鐵城先生逝世二十週年紀念集), published in the 63rd year of the Republic of China 1974.
Centennial commemorative books are also common, such as:
Front cover of In Memory of Mr. Chang Ching-chiang on His Birth Centenary (張靜江先生百歲紀念集)
Inside page of In Memory of Mr. Chang Ching-chiang on His Birth Centenary (張靜江先生百歲紀念集)
In Memory of Mr. Chang Ching-chiang on His Birth Centenary (張靜江先生百歲紀念集).
Front cover of Collected Writings to Commemorate the Birth Centenary of the Late Mr. Chang Chün-mai (張君勱先生百齡冥誕紀念文集)
Inside page of Collected Writings to Commemorate the Birth Centenary of the Late Mr. Chang Chün-mai (張君勱先生百齡冥誕紀念文集)
Collected Writings to Commemorate the Birth Centenary of the Late Mr. Chang Chün-mai (張君勱先生百齡冥誕紀念文集).
Front cover of In Memory of Mr. Sun Che-sheng on His Birth Centenary (孫哲生先生百年誕辰紀念集)
Inside page of In Memory of Mr. Sun Che-sheng on His Birth Centenary (孫哲生先生百年誕辰紀念集)
In Memory of Mr. Sun Che-sheng on His Birth Centenary (孫哲生先生百年誕辰紀念集).
Front cover of A Strategist of Great Talent: To Commemorate the Birth Centenary of the Late Mr. Yeh Hsiang-chih (大略雄才-葉翔之先生百齡冥誕紀念集)
Inside page of A Strategist of Great Talent: To Commemorate the Birth Centenary of the Late Mr. Yeh Hsiang-chih (大略雄才-葉翔之先生百齡冥誕紀念集)
A Strategist of Great Talent: To Commemorate the Birth Centenary of the Late Mr. Yeh Hsiang-chih (大略雄才-葉翔之先生百齡冥誕紀念集);
Front cover of Special Edition to Commemorate the 110th Birth Anniversary of Mr. Wu Chih-hui (吳稚暉先生一百十歲誕辰紀念集特輯)
Inside page of Special Edition to Commemorate the 110th Birth Anniversary of Mr. Wu Chih-hui (吳稚暉先生一百十歲誕辰紀念集特輯)
Special Edition to Commemorate the 110th Birth Anniversary of Mr. Wu Chih-hui (吳稚暉先生一百十歲誕辰紀念集特輯).
When the Central Government of China first relocated to Taiwan, President Fu Ssu-nien (傅斯年校長) of the National Taiwan University was among the earliest intellectual figures to pass away. He died on 20 December in the 39th year of the Republic 1950. His family held a hasty funeral two days later, likely without ever producing any funeral announcement or obituary. However, the National Taiwan University Journal (國立臺灣大學校刊) issued a special commemorative edition titled Special Edition in Memory of the Late President Fu (紀念傅故校長專號) on 8 January 1951, nineteen days after his death. This 24 page book is one of the earliest post-1949 commemorative books in my collection.
Front cover of National Taiwan University Journal (國立臺灣大學校刊) issued a special commemorative edition titled Special Edition in Memory of the Late President Fu (紀念傅故校長專號)
After the Chinese communists seized power, they swiftly launched campaigns to repress and eradicate all religions. Buddhist monks were coerced into renouncing their vows and forced to consume meat. Catholic priests were imprisoned and subjected to labour camp re-education. No religious group escaped persecution. Many religious leaders and followers of Taoism, Buddhism, Islam, Catholicism and Christianity fled to Taiwan with the Central Government of China, where their lives are safeguarded and their faiths preserved.
Among the commemorative books in my collection are several honouring religious leaders.
Front cover of Historical Record of Changkya Khutugtu, Protector of the Nation and Master Teacher(護國淨覺輔教大師章嘉呼圖克圖史蹟冊)
Inside page of Historical Record of Changkya Khutugtu, Protector of the Nation and Master Teacher(護國淨覺輔教大師章嘉呼圖克圖史蹟冊)
For Buddhism, there is Historical Record of Changkya Khutugtu, Protector of the Nation and Master Teacher（護國淨覺輔教大師章嘉呼圖克圖史蹟冊）.
Front cover of In Memory of the late Governor Yao Ch’ing-fu of Hsin-chiang Province (堯故主席景福紀念集)
Inside page of In Memory of the late Governor Yao Ch’ing-fu of Hsin-chiang Province (堯故主席景福紀念集)
For Islam, there is In Memory of the late Governor Yao Ch’ing-fu of Hsin-chiang Province (堯故主席景福紀念集).
For Catholicism, there is Cardinal Yü Pin, A Perfect Man of His Generation (一代完人于斌樞機).
These books are imprints of religions in Mainland China that crossed the sea to take root and flourish in Taiwan.
Front cover of Cardinal Yü Pin, A Perfect Man of His Generation (一代完人于斌樞機)
Cardinal Yü Pin: A Perfect Man of His Generation (一代完人于斌樞機) not only bears witness to the Catholic Church’s affirmation of ancestor worship among the Chinese people, but also provides insight into the fusion of Catholicism and Confucianism in the Chinese Church, reflecting its gradual Sinicization. Throughout his life, Cardinal Yü Pin unwaveringly supported the government of the Republic of China, the ideology of The Three Principles of the People, and the leadership of President Chiang Kai-shek, as reflected in the captions found on various pages of the commemorative book. Some examples are:
Page 4 of Cardinal Yü Pin: A Perfect Man of His Generation
On page 4 the caption reads: Emulating King Wen (周文王 1112-1050 BC) and King Wu (周武王 1076-1043 BC) from Distant Chou Dynasty, He Took Pin (斌) as His Name (遠紹文武，取斌為名).
On page 9 the caption reads: Native of Ancient Lu State (原籍古魯). Lu was a vassal state during the Chou dynasty and the home state of Confucius.
Page 11 of Cardinal Yü Pin: A Perfect Man of His Generation
On page 11 the caption reads: Continued the Legacy of Confucian Teachings (承緒孔門).
On page 64 the caption reads: Entrusted by President Chiang Kai-shek with Hefty Mission, as Emissary to the World, He Won Universal Praise (蔣公中正，畀公重擔，遊說世界，咸讚卓斷);
On page 72 the caption reads: Returning to Capital Nanking After Sino-Japanese War, He Participated to Establish the Constitution, Freedom of Belief His Greatest Contribution. (勝利還京，參與制憲，信仰自由，乃公碩獻);
On page 81 the caption reads: Amidst the Communist Rebellion of Death and Suffering, He Prayed Day and Night for Justice (共黨叛亂，生靈塗炭，弔民伐罪，公禱宵旦);
On page 103 the caption reads: Residing in Taiwan He Called for Action, Incessantly Planned for the Recovery of China Mainland (駐錫臺灣，木鐸振頻，光復大陸，策劃倍勤);
On page 170 the caption reads: Thoughts of Confucius, Teachings of Jesus, Adding Two Together, Unparallel in the World (孔子思想，基督教規，云二相加，天下無比);
On page 187 the caption reads : Advocated Ancestor Worship, Correcting Centuries of Errors (提倡祭祖，革百年非).
Reading the commemorative book fifty years from then, the roar from Cardinal Yü Pin to defend Chinese culture is still greatly moving.
In the 50th year of the Republic of China 1961, Major General Wu Sung-ch’ing (吳嵩慶中將) published Quotations from Mr. Chi-san (吉三先生語錄) in two volumes to commemorate the 25th death anniversary of his father. The earnestness of his filial piety, the elegance of the binding and layout, the plenitude and thoughtfulness of the calligraphic works, make this an extraordinary book.
Front cover of Quotations from Mr. Chi-san (吉三先生語錄)
Major General Wu Sung-ch’ing (吳嵩慶中將) inscribed Quotations from Mr. Chi-san (吉三先生語錄)
Quotations from Mr. Chi-san includes Philosophical Musings of Mr. Chi-san (吉三先生制藝文), Family Instructions of Mr. Chi-san (吉三先生家訓), Postscript by President Chia Ch’ing-te of the Examination Yuan (賈煜如先生跋), and Record of Father’s Words and Deeds (先父言行錄) by Major General Wu Sung-ch’ing, the last section occupying a single volume.
Inscription by General Ch’ien Ta-chün (錢大鈞上將)
Inscription by President Chiang Kai-shek
General Ch’ien Ta-chün (錢大鈞上將) inscribed six characters for the book cover and title page: Quotations from Mr. Chi-san (吉三先生語錄), while President Chiang Kai-shek inscribed four characters for the first page: “Continue the Legacy and Propagate the Virtues” (繼志揚芬).
Index of Quotations from Mr. Chi-san (吉三先生語錄)
Inscription by President Chang Tao-fan (張道藩院長)
President Chang Tao-fan (張道藩院長) of the Legislative Yuan inscribed seven characters: Philosophical Musings of Mr. Chi-san (吉三先生制藝文).
The following personages each copied an excerpt from Philosophical Musings of Mr. Chi-san (吉三先生制藝文), President Yü Yu-jen (于右任院長) of the Control Yuan, Minister of State Hsü Shih-ying (許世英總理), President Chia Ching-te (賈景德院長) of the Examination Yuan, Minister Liang Han-ts’ao (梁寒操部長), General Huang Chieh (黃杰上將), Provincial Governor Ho Kuo-kuang (賀國光省主席) of Sikang Province, Delegate Chang Ch’iang (張強代表), Presidential Senior Adviser Li Yü-ying (李煜瀛資政), Legislator Ch’en Chao-ying (陳肇英委員), General Chou Chih-jou (周至柔上將).
President Hsieh Kuan-sheng (謝冠生院長) of the Judicial Yuan inscribed these six characters: Family Instructions of Mr. Chi-san (吉三先生家訓). The following personages each copied an excerpt from Family Instructions of Mr. Chi-san (吉三先生家訓): General Ch’ien Ta-chün (錢大鈞上將), Provincial Governor Wang Tung-yüan (王東原省主席), General Huang Chen-ch’iu (黃鎭球上將), President Chia Ching-te (賈景德院長) of the Examination Yuan, Premier Ho Ying-ch’in (何應欽院長) of the Executive Yuan, Minister of Defense Pai Chung-hsi (白崇禧部長), Minister of Defense Ku Chu-t’ung (顧祝同部長), Lieutenant General Wan Yao-huang (萬耀煌中將), Delegate Hung Lu-tung (洪陸東代表) of the National Assembly, Premier Chang Ch’ün (張群院長) of the Executive Yuan.
President Chia Ching-te (賈景德院長) of the Examination Yuan followed with a long postscript and the Minister of Education Chang Chi-yün (張其昀部長) wrote an inscription.
Front cover of Record of Father’s Words and Deeds (先父言行錄)
Inscription by Major General Wu Sung-ch’ing (吳嵩慶中將)
Inscription by Vice President Ch’en Ch’eng (陳誠副總統)
Major General Wu Sung-ch’ing (吳嵩慶中將) wrote in small regular script Repentance and Rebirth – To Commemorate Father’s 25th Death Anniversary (悔罪重生-為紀念先父逝世二十五週年作)
Major General Wu Sung-ch’ing (吳嵩慶中將) wrote in small regular script Expendable Words on Reprinting Record of Father’s Words and Deeds (重刊先父言行錄贅言)
Major General Wu Sung-ch’ing (吳嵩慶中將) wrote in small regular script In Sorrow (哀思)
In the second volume, Major General Wu Sung-ch’ing (吳嵩慶中將) himself inscribed five characters for the book cover and title page, the words are: Record of Father’s Words and Deeds (先父言行錄). There are a number of inscriptions by personages in politics and the armed forces, they are Vice President Ch’en Ch’eng (陳誠副總統), President Mo Te-hui (莫德惠院長) of the Examination Yuan, Minister of Finance Hsü Po-yüan (徐柏園部長), General Peng Meng-chi (彭孟輯上將), General Shih Chüeh (石覺上將). Major General Wu Sung-ch’ing (吳嵩慶中將) then wrote the following articles in small regular script: Repentance and Rebirth – To Commemorate Father’s 25th Death Anniversary (悔罪重生-為紀念先父逝世二十五週年作), Essay to Commemorate Father’s 20th Death Anniversary (先父逝世二十週年紀念文), Expendable Words on Reprinting Record of Father’s Words and Deeds (重刊先父言行錄贅言), In Sorrow (哀思) and Father’s Words and Deeds (先父言行).
Quotations from Mr. Chi-san was published in the 50th year of the Republic of China 1961. At that time Mainland China was a living hell, all notions of loyalty, filial piety, benevolence and righteousness were being destroyed. On a distant shore, the Government of the Republic of China and her people safeguarded the classical tradition of humanism. Quotations from Mr. Chi-san was no less a glimmer of light in the midst of devastation and catastrophe.
There are three sets of presidential commemorative books in my collection.
Record of Mourning for President Chiang (總統蔣公哀思錄).
Record of Mourning for the Late President Yen Chia-kan (嚴前總統家淦先生哀思錄).
Record of Mourning for President Chiang Ching-kuo (蔣總統經國先生哀思錄).
Record of Mourning for President Chiang (總統蔣公哀思錄) in three volumes
Front cover of first volume of Record of Mourning for President Chiang (總統蔣公哀思錄)
Inside page with portrait of President Chiang Kai-shek
Inside page with will of President Chiang Kai-shek
Inside page with party resolution to implement the will of President Chiang Kai-shek
Inside page of third volume
Inside page of third volume
President Chiang Kai-shek passed away on 5 April in the 64th year of the Republic of China 1975. Record of Mourning for President Chiang (總統蔣公哀思錄) in three huge volumes were published on 31 October 1975, his birth anniversary.
Front cover of Record of Mourning for the Late President Yen Chia-kan (嚴前總統家淦先生哀思錄)
Inside page of Record of Mourning for the Late President Yen Chia-kan (嚴前總統家淦先生哀思錄)
Inside page of Record of Mourning for the Late President Yen Chia-kan (嚴前總統家淦先生哀思錄)
President Yen Chia-kan passed away on 24 December in the 82nd year of the Republic of China 1993. Record of Mourning for the Late President Yen Chia-kan (嚴前總統家淦先生哀思錄), a substantial volume, was published in July 1994.
Record of Mourning for President Chiang Ching-kuo (蔣總統經國先生哀思錄) in three volumes
Front cover of first volume of Record of Mourning for President Chiang Ching-kuo (蔣總統經國先生哀思錄)
Inside page of first volume
Inside page of second volume
Inside page of third volume
President Chiang Ching-kuo passed away on 13 January in the 77th year of the Republic of China 1988. Record of Mourning for President Chiang Ching-kuo (蔣總統經國先生哀思錄) in three huge volumes were published on 7 July 1988, the anniversary of the Marco Polo Bridge Incident.
No commemorative book published after the 38th year of the Republic 1949 managed to surpass the format and length of the presidential commemorative books.
Copies of funeral announcements, obituaries and commemorative books have become increasingly scarce, largely because they are seldom retained beyond immediate family members. Even among close relatives, these items are rarely kept for long. After a funeral, announcement and obituary are often discarded. Commemorative book published afterwards is read and disposed, or gather dust in drawer or cabinet, or on shelves to be eventually forgotten. Sometimes, they are even considered inauspicious and thrown away. Whenever the owner moves to a new residence, memorial books can become burdensome too. Bibliophiles have always collected printed books from the Song and Ming dynasties, it is common for them to overlook recent publications in Taiwan. Public libraries here have failed to cherish them, public libraries in Mainland China view them as anti-communist contraband. We can understand the existential perils facing memorial books.
The day the world is cleansed, historical knowledge of the Republic of China will likely become the measure of individual learning and cultivation. I suspect provincial libraries across China will vie to collect memorial books from the early Republican period, and bibliophiles will view them as a distinct category of book collecting. When people free themselves from oppression, embrace filial piety, appreciate scholarly refinement, love literature and art, the custom of memorial book will certainly soar again in China.
Ink rubbing of mourning poem engraved on stone stele by President Yü Yu-jen (于右任院長) of the Control Yuan
