San Cai Tu Hui
San Cai Tu Hui (The Illustrated Compendium of the Three Realms) is a major reference work compiled by Wang Qi and his son Wang Siyi during the Wanli era of the Ming Dynasty. Its title originates from the traditional Chinese cosmological concept of the "Three Realms": Heaven, Earth, and Humanity. The content is all-encompassing, covering subjects from astronomy and geography to human affairs, objects, animals, and plants. The book's greatest distinguishing feature and value lie in its editorial principle of "illustration first, text second." It preserves a vast collection of images—from celestial star charts to farming tools—making it an invaluable visual archive for studying the material culture, technological knowledge, and intellectual world of pre-modern and Ming Dynasty China.
Content Structure
The work comprises 106 volumes, organized into 14 major categories (e.g., Astronomy, Geography, Figures, Seasons, Architecture, Utensils, Human Body, Clothing, Affairs, Rituals, Treasures, Literature, Animals, Plants). Each category presents images first, followed by explanatory text. This "image on the left, text on the right" format made abstract knowledge and concepts visually accessible, greatly aiding its dissemination and understanding.
Core Value & Features
1. An Unparalleled Visual Record: The illustrations extend beyond traditional portraits of figures and deities. They extensively document everyday and technological objects such as agricultural tools, weapons, musical instruments, vehicles, ships, architecture, and ritual implements, offering a vivid record of Ming social life and production techniques.
2. A Bridge for Knowledge: It served as a crucial educational tool, visualizing complex classical knowledge and everyday information for the literate class and broader public.
3. Historical & Research Value: The book preserves depictions of objects, clothing, and architecture now lost or evolved, providing direct visual evidence for research in history, archaeology, the history of science and technology, and art history.
4. A Reflection of Worldview: The way images are categorized and depicted—such as representations of foreign peoples or mythological creatures—reveals the worldview, cultural perspectives, and intellectual framework of the Ming Chinese.
Legacy
San Cai Tu Hui represents the pinnacle of illustrated Chinese reference works, following earlier classics like the Song Dynasty Yingzao Fashi. More than a mere reference book, it is a visual record of Ming Dynasty society and culture. It influenced later encyclopedic works, printmaking art, and knowledge exchange between China and Japan. For modern readers, it remains an essential window for exploring traditional Chinese culture and material civilization.
1.Is it an official original copy?
This is a compiled digital version of electronic materials, not a traditional physical book.
2.Publisher / ISBN?
This product is compiled electronic content and does not correspond to a single printed ISBN.
3.Is the content complete?
It is a fully compiled version, including core theories and routine explanations (no omissions).
4.Original language or translated?
The original version is in Chinese. You may order your preferred language version; we will include both the original Chinese version and your chosen language version as a bonus.
5.Is it authorized?
Based on traditional Chinese original documents: publicly circulated (no authorization required).
6.Who is it suitable for?
Beginners: suitable for getting started
Those with foundation: can deepen understanding
7.Brand new or second-hand?
E-book (not second-hand, no condition issues).
8.What format is it?
PDF electronic document.
9.Is it high-definition?
High-definition layout, suitable for reading on mobile phones and computers.
10.How many pages?
The complete collection has a total of 236 pages.
11.Why this price?
The content has been organized and summarized (saving a lot of screening time), allowing you to obtain the complete system in one purchase.
12.Are there any discounts?
Yes.
13.Are there any hidden fees?
No extra charges. One-time purchase, lifetime access.
14.How is it delivered?
How long does it take?Automatic delivery / instant download.
15.Is refund supported?
Refund available if not downloaded; not supported if already downloaded.
16.How to ensure the file is intact?
The file has been tested and is identical to the original. Unlimited re-deliveries are supported after one purchase.
17. How can I check if it is the version I want to buy?
You can refer to the product images, which provide previews of the original content. If the previews in the product images do not meet your requirements, you may contact customer service for a more comprehensive sample preview.
18. If I purchase a non-Chinese version, is the entire book translated into my desired language, or only part of it?
Our multilingual versions are full translations of the Chinese original, including translations of relevant image captions. All translated versions are localized naturally in accordance with the language customs of each country.
19. Do these e-books have copyright? Will there be any copyright disputes?
All books we offer are traditional Chinese classics with a history of hundreds or even thousands of years, so there are no copyright disputes whatsoever.
20. Why are your prices so low?
This is because we provide e-books in downloadable PDF format, which greatly reduces various costs, allowing us to offer them at such affordable prices.
