Shanghai Corners - Block Prints by Nicholas Brown: Shikumen Series

The Shikumen Series

Shikumen were once the predominant type of residential housing in Shanghai and are now nearly all gone. 'Shikumen' means 'stone gate house' and their most recognizable feature is their large main entry door. A neighborhood of shikumen usually take up a city block and are divided by small lanes within the block. Shikumen are unique to Shanghai and are a combination of British row style and Chinese housing. Much socializing and some household tasks take place in the lanes, providing a lively atmosphere. More detailed information about them can be found on this wikipedia page.

A black and white, linoleum block print of an old alleway between shikumen houses in Shanghai by artist Nicholas Brown.

A Lilong Long Gone
hand printed linocut, limited edition of 100
image: 12" x 9" (30.5cm x 23cm), paper: 15" x 11" (38cm x 28cm)
©2023. All rights reserved.

A black and white, linoleum block print of the entrance to Cité Bourgogne on Shaanxi Road in Shanghai by artist Nicholas Brown.

Cité Bourgogne Promenade
hand printed linocut, limited edition of 100
image: 12" x 9" (30.5cm x 23cm), paper: 15" x 11" (38cm x 28cm)
©2023. All rights reserved.

A black and white, linoleum block print of a shikumen lane house in Shanghai by artist Nicholas Brown.

Shikumen Home
hand printed linocut, limited edition of 100
image: 12" x 9" (30.5cm x 23cm), paper: 15" x 11" (38cm x 28cm)
©2022. All rights reserved.

A black and white, linoleum block print of Jiqing Li, a shikumen neighborhood in Shanghai by artist Nicholas Brown.

Jiqing Li
hand printed linocut, limited edition of 100
image: 12" x 9" (30.5cm x 23cm), paper: 15" x 11" (38cm x 28cm)
©2022. All rights reserved.

A black and white, linoleum block print of a Penglai Road in the Old City area of Shanghai by artist Nicholas Brown.

A black and white, linoleum block print of a shikumen house along Fangbang Road in the Old City area of Shanghai by artist Nicholas Brown.