Illustrations and Explanations on Correct Cultivation

Ming dynasty (1368�1644), Wanli period (1573�1619)

Compiled by Jiao Hong (1541�1620; jinshi of 1589); explanatory text by Wu Jixu; illustrated by Ding Yunpeng (1547�ca. 1628); engraved by Huang Qi

Nanjing, Jiangsu Province: Kuibi zhai, 1594

10 columns per half folio; 20 or 21 characters per column; white folding margin at center of folio; single-line borders; overall dimensions of volumes: 30.1 x 19.5 cm; block sizes of text: approx. 24.0 x 16.3 cm; stitched binding

Inventory number: 16750

Jiao Hong, a prominent member of the Taizhou school of Neo-Confucian philosophy, was appointed as a lecturer in 1593 to Zhu Changluo (1582�1620), the eldest son and eventual heir apparent of the Wanli emperor (r. 1573�1619).� The Yangzheng tujie, an illustrated compendium of 60 maxims and exemplary deeds of past imperial heirs apparent, was expressly compiled for Zhu Changluo's moral instruction.� It was presented to the throne in 1597 but was never actually used by the prince owing to the jealousy and opposition of Jiao's fellow lecturers, who believed that he had compiled the book in order to curry favor at court.

The Yangzheng tujie features pictorial compositions by the painter Ding Yunpeng.� The first edition of 1593 was printed by Wang Yunpeng's "Wanhu xuan" in Xin'an, Anhui.� This copy was published the following year by the "Kuibi zhai" belonging to the bookseller Zheng Siming in Nanjing, with engravings by Huang Qi.� The full-page woodblock pictures are among the most complex and sophisticated examples of Chinese book illustration up to this moment.