Outlaws of the Marsh Hand Scroll

This early 20th century printed and hand-colored hand scroll portrays one third of the 108 heroes from Water Margin, sometimes also know as Outlaws of the Marsh by Shi Nai'an, one of China's four great classical novels. The story takes place during the Song dynasty (960-1279 AD) when a gang of 108 banded together to resist corrupt bureaucracy. Each of the characters names is printed to the right of each figure. There are multiple personal seals, colophons, and commentary added by previous owners which showed appreciation and formed a conversation with previous and future owners.