Illustrated Manual on Goldfish

Qing dynasty (1644�1911), Daoguang period (1821�50)

Compiled by Gouqu shannong (act. mid-19th century)

N.p.: Yingxing shuwu, 1848

8 columns per half folio of text; 20 characters per column; no folding margin at center of folio; inner single-line borders for text blocks; outer decorative borders for all blocks; overall dimensions of volume: 28.9 x 16.5 cm; block sizes of decorative borders: approx. 18.4 x 12.5 cm; block sizes of texts: approx. 13.0 x 9.5 cm; block sizes of illustrations: approx. 13.2 x 9.5 cm block; stitched binding

Inventory number: 15899

Goldfish are native to southeastern China and have been mentioned in Chinese literature as far back as the seventh century.� However, the first comprehensive illustrated manuals on goldfish did not appear until the Qing dynasty.� One such work is the Jinyu tu pu of 1848, whose author is known only by a pseudonym.

The 11 topics discussed in the text portion of the manual are as follows: origins of goldfish, rearing goldfish in ponds, rearing goldfish in jars, selective mating, care of newly hatched fry, distinguishing colors and hues, recognizing certain attributes and characteristics, feeding, treatment of sick goldfish, distinguishing between genders, and ways of acquiring and admiring goldfish.� The illustrative portion was based on an earlier goldfish manual that covered 54 types.� All are included in this work, and two additional varieties are appended at the end of the book.� The goldfish and water plants are illustrated in various color combinations and hues of red, vermilion, yellow, black, brown, green, and blue.