Separation plate (top)

When will separations be made in Hong Kong? In fact, this information cannot be obtained from the record literature. The evolution of color separation technology can refer to the introduction of lithographic and offset presses into Hong Kong, and it is estimated that color separation will evolve with the change in printing methods. We can only trace back to the Pacific War until now, and there is no doubt that the unique geographical conditions of Hong Kong, For over 100 years, it has become the intersection of Chinese and Western cultures. Modern printing technology has been greatly influenced by the West. Lead-cast type, mechanical printing, lithography, offset printing, and plate making technology have been introduced into China, and each uses Hong Kong and Macau as bridgeheads for absorbing Western technology. In particular, Western missionaries wanting to use print to disseminate religion does not aim at commercial profit. Therefore, they are happy to teach printing technology to Chinese laborers and promote the modernization of Chinese printing technology.

Original lithograph

Although Hong Kong and Macau are the bridgeheads for Western printing technology, Hong Kong and Macao are small and have a small population. Therefore, there is not enough market space to allow the development of printing and platemaking businesses. However, China has a large population, a large population, and a vast market space, until the last century. In the 1950s, with regard to the mastery and development of printing technology, Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou were still the most prosperous and advanced. Since the early 1950s, a large number of domestic printers had moved to Hong Kong. Entrepreneurs also set up printing plants in Hong Kong and introduced the latest production equipment and technologies before they began to drive the development of the printing industry in Hong Kong.

Manual color separation

According to retired plate-making technicians, the earliest color printing in Hong Kong was based on the lithographic method. At that time, color separation and plate making were all performed by hand. Therefore, it took a long time to make a set of color printing plates. Printing products were printed on iron. Lord, because the metal sheet is low in stretchability and has a good grasp of color, the most common finished products are month cards (wall calendars) and moon cake boxes. These printed products were still common in the market when the flat offset printing became popular in the 1960s. Printed iron products.

Drawing the lithograph of "The Eastern Zhou Dynasty"

The early manual color separation was purely a combination of experience and technology. The masters of manual color separation enjoyed a high status in the industry, and the remuneration received was also the highest in the industry. Until the early 1950s, many lithographic stamp makers were also involved. Master Separation was founded; and these possess technology and high level of culture. The Sri Lankan per capita who wears a long gown to work is collectively referred to as “Mr.”, indicating that he is highly skilled and tops his peers. Most of the first generation color separation technicians have passed away, and the apprentices who have been trained by them are also mostly retired.

The author knows that the earliest color separation masters are also engaged in the lithography business, and in addition to the owner is a color separation master, but also employs a resident technician, or recruit their own apprentices. The apprenticeships of the past are inconceivable with today’s apprenticeship regulations. They apprehend the introducers who are familiar with the apprenticeships first. After they have been accepted by the master, they must pass the three-nine-ninth prayer ceremony and be paid monthly by the parents. The master has a certain amount of filial piety. During the period of study, not only did she have to learn basic skills such as brushstrokes and lines, but also had to do chores to take care of the chef's daily diet.

Wu Youru's painting of Shishizhai Shiyin Workshop

(to be continued)