TŌZAN TSŪSHIN ENKAKUSHI 唐山通信沿革志 [“Reflections on What China Is”]
Manuscript on pre-printed paper. Three manuscript maps (one on six pages, another on two pages, and one on a single page) & six full-page paintings, all finely colored. 78 folding leaves with pre-printed borders. 8vo (276 x 194 mm.), orig. wrappers (some repairs), new stitching. [Japan]: late Edo.
An attractive and fascinating manuscript of a text that apparently remains unpublished. It is beautifully illustrated with a series of paintings using brush, ink, and color washes, along with ample gold pigment, executed by a very accomplished artist.
This anonymous Japanese work is a serious study of China, its history, geography, customs, civil hierarchies, government at all levels, etc. The author had clearly visited China and knew it well; he describes much of the diplomatic history between the two countries at a level suggesting he was a government insider with a very sophisticated view of China.
In the text, we learn that the anonymous author had great respect for China and its culture. Histories of the intellectual transfers of knowledge to Japan beginning in the sixth century and the diplomacy between the two countries are given. The author describes the commerce of China and the distinctions within its society. Also discussed are Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism and the history of the development of Chinese characters and language. The author knew China’s history very well and mentions many of the classic histories.
The first illustration depicts a Ming dynasty man and woman in richly appointed attire. The following text is a very detailed discussion of Qing dynasty clothing, finely depicted in two full-page illustrations. Pictured are four men and one woman wearing the attire of high-level Qing government officials and one of the men’s wives. Each component of their clothing, from hats to gowns, is labelled with explanations of their meanings and indications of their rank.
The following image depicts a husband and wife of the upper middle-class, with labels describing their headwear and other features. In the next image, we see a “middle-class” family at dinner in their home. Finally, we see a “lower-class” family in their home, cooking and eating.
The maps are interesting. The first is a two-page map of greater China, including Korea, Ryukyu, Taiwan, and the Western Territories. The detail is quite incredible, with many cities and towns labelled. The Great Wall is depicted as are the western deserts.
The six-page map of Taiwan is quite revealing: four of the pages show the western side of the island, facing China, again with many city and town names labelled. This is followed by a two-page map depicting the eastern side of the island, which the Chinese considered beyond the pale; it has very few towns named. The final map depicts the main islands of the Penghu archipelago in the Taiwan Strait.
Reproduced are texts of a number of important steles.
Minor worming, but in fine condition. Preserved in a chitsu.
An attractive and fascinating manuscript of a text that apparently remains unpublished. It is beautifully illustrated with a series of paintings using brush, ink, and color washes, along with ample gold pigment, executed by a very accomplished artist.
This anonymous Japanese work is a serious study of China, its history, geography, customs, civil hierarchies, government at all levels, etc. The author had clearly visited China and knew it well; he describes much of the diplomatic history between the two countries at a level suggesting he was a government insider with a very sophisticated view of China.
In the text, we learn that the anonymous author had great respect for China and its culture. Histories of the intellectual transfers of knowledge to Japan beginning in the sixth century and the diplomacy between the two countries are given. The author describes the commerce of China and the distinctions within its society. Also discussed are Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism and the history of the development of Chinese characters and language. The author knew China’s history very well and mentions many of the classic histories.
The first illustration depicts a Ming dynasty man and woman in richly appointed attire. The following text is a very detailed discussion of Qing dynasty clothing, finely depicted in two full-page illustrations. Pictured are four men and one woman wearing the attire of high-level Qing government officials and one of the men’s wives. Each component of their clothing, from hats to gowns, is labelled with explanations of their meanings and indications of their rank.
The following image depicts a husband and wife of the upper middle-class, with labels describing their headwear and other features. In the next image, we see a “middle-class” family at dinner in their home. Finally, we see a “lower-class” family in their home, cooking and eating.
The maps are interesting. The first is a two-page map of greater China, including Korea, Ryukyu, Taiwan, and the Western Territories. The detail is quite incredible, with many cities and towns labelled. The Great Wall is depicted as are the western deserts.
The six-page map of Taiwan is quite revealing: four of the pages show the western side of the island, facing China, again with many city and town names labelled. This is followed by a two-page map depicting the eastern side of the island, which the Chinese considered beyond the pale; it has very few towns named. The final map depicts the main islands of the Penghu archipelago in the Taiwan Strait.
Reproduced are texts of a number of important steles.
Minor worming, but in fine condition. Preserved in a chitsu.
Details
Title
TŌZAN TSŪSHIN ENKAKUSHI 唐山通信沿革志 [“Reflections on What China Is”]
Author
TŌZAN TSŪSHIN ENKAKUSHI
Condition
Unknown