Until now, Shi zhu zhai shu hua pu (Manual of Calligraphy and Painting), was deemed too fragile to be opened, let alone viewed by the public. The 17th century compilation of 50 artists and calligraphers contains the first known instance of multicoloured printing ever, is reputed to be “the most beautiful” set of prints of its kind, and has just been made available through Cambridge University’s Digital Library. See more of the historically significant and highly anticipated images below!

Cambridge Digital Library Website

Via This Is Colossal