Chinese books win awards in Germany

Two books from China have been named "The Most Beautiful Books in the World 2018" by the Stiftung Buchkunst at Leipzig, Germany.

This is the third consecutive year that China has two winning entries in the competition.

The Art of Gardening, a book on Chinese gardening theory, won the silver medal. This is a new edition of an ancient book written by Ji Cheng in 1634, and is published by the China Architecture and Building Press. The jury panel praised the book’s use of traditional Chinese elements in the design as well as the harmonious blend of illustrations and text.

The other entry is Tea Canon, a book about China’s tea culture which was published by the Commercial Press. It won the Honorary Appreciation Award.

The Shanghai Press and Publication Bureau, which recommended the two books to the Stiftung Buchkunst, said that Tea Canon "can be considered a Bible for modern tea lovers, with its detailed account of Chinese tea culture".

Nine tea-themed paintings and calligraphy works are used as inserts in the pages, and these precious pages add a different dimension to the experience of reading.

The jury panel of the international competition evaluated more than 600 entries from 33 countries and regions from around the world from Feb 8 to 10. Fourteen books from six countries and regions received awards this year.

The Stiftung Buchkunst has been holding the annual competition and exhibition of best book designs from all over the world in Leipzig since about 100 years ago.