Record of the Pilgrimage (Chao jin tu ji)

Author: Ma Fuchu, Hui

1861

Woodblock print on paper

Aga Khan Museum

A worn, tan-colored book cover with a vertical label containing East Asian characters on the right side. The cover shows signs of age and use, with frayed edges and creases. A worn, tan-colored book cover with a vertical label containing East Asian characters on the right side. The cover shows signs of age and use, with frayed edges and creases. This book about making the Islamic pilgrimage ( hajj ) from China to Mecca is printed on lightweight but strong Asian paper and bound using a style traditional to China and Japan. The simple and utilitarian binding (called "Tangben style") consists of four holes (or "four eyes") sewn with strong silk thread. This binding style creates intricate geometric designs. Stitched books have a long history, with examples dating back to the 7th century found in the Mogao