Throughout Chinese history, the imperial court has always placed a high value on education, culture, and intellectual achievement. One of the most enduring symbols of this pursuit of knowledge was the creation and preservation of royal books — collections of texts, writings, and scholarly works that encapsulated the wisdom of the times. These books not only reflected the intellectual climate of their respective dynasties but also shaped the direction of Chinese culture, governance, and thought.
From ancient classics to specialized works on governance, history, and the arts, the royal libraries of China housed an impressive array of books. These works were often meticulously compiled, often under the auspices of the emperor or imperial family, and served as both a tool of governance and a symbol of the emperor’s role as a patron of the arts and scholarship.
In this article, we will explore some of the most significant royal books and collections from the imperial courts of China, from the early dynastic periods to the Qing Dynasty, shedding light on their importance in the development of Chinese culture, philosophy, and governance.
I. The Ancient Roots of Royal Books in China
The practice of preserving and creating royal books dates back to the earliest dynasties of China, where the emperor’s role as both the ruler and protector of culture was well-established. The books of this period were largely based on the Confucian classics, historical records, and philosophical writings that were essential for proper governance and moral leadership.
1. The Zhou Dynasty and the Creation of the Confucian Canon
One of the first significant collections of royal books in China can be traced to the Zhou Dynasty (1046-256 BC), which is regarded as the era during which many of the classical texts that would shape Chinese intellectual history were written or compiled. This period witnessed the rise of Confucianism, a philosophy that would have a profound impact on the imperial governance structure.
Confucius (551-479 BC), regarded as one of the most influential thinkers in Chinese history, is credited with preserving and editing many of the classic texts that became central to Chinese culture. These works, known as the “Five Classics” (Wujing), were compiled and maintained by the imperial court in later years.
- The Book of Songs (Shijing): A collection of ancient Chinese poetry, providing insights into the daily lives, emotions, and cultural practices of early Chinese society.
- The Book of Documents (Shujing): A compilation of historical records, offering a window into the governance and political structure of early Chinese dynasties.
- The Book of Changes (Yijing): A text on divination and philosophy, providing guidance on decision-making and moral conduct.
- The Book of Rites (Liji): A compilation of the ceremonial rituals and practices that were essential to Confucian thought, emphasizing the importance of etiquette in governance and society.
- The Spring and Autumn Annals (Chunqiu): A historical chronicle of the state of Lu, Confucius’ home state, offering a detailed record of political events and moral lessons.
These texts were seen as a foundational element for the education of the emperor and officials, as well as a means to ensure the stability and harmony of the realm.
II. The Tang and Song Dynasties: The Golden Age of Imperial Libraries
During the Tang (618-907) and Song (960-1279) Dynasties, the imperial libraries flourished. The Tang Dynasty, often considered a high point of Chinese culture, saw the rise of a more organized and systematic approach to the creation and curation of royal books. The Song Dynasty, known for its intellectual and cultural achievements, also made significant strides in preserving and compiling books that would later influence generations of scholars.
1. The Tang Dynasty and the Imperial Library System
Under the Tang emperors, there was a concerted effort to create comprehensive libraries to house the vast body of knowledge accumulated during the dynasty. The imperial library in Chang’an (the capital) was renowned for its collection of books, including texts on Confucianism, Buddhism, history, and the arts.
The Tang emperors themselves were great patrons of literature, commissioning the compilation of many significant texts. The famous “Tang Code,” a set of laws that governed the empire, was one such work. The Tang Dynasty also saw the creation of books on military strategy, astronomy, and medicine, which were used by the court to govern more effectively.
2. The Song Dynasty and the Preservation of Ancient Texts
The Song Dynasty took significant steps to preserve the vast corpus of ancient texts. Emperor Taizu of Song (r. 960-976) initiated the process of collecting and preserving classic Confucian texts, while later emperors took further steps to compile, copy, and distribute important works throughout the empire.
The Song Dynasty also saw the emergence of specialized texts, including books on technology, printing, and the sciences. The invention of movable type printing during the Song Dynasty revolutionized the production of books, making it easier to copy, share, and distribute knowledge across China. This allowed royal libraries to store and share a broader range of books, including those on technical subjects such as engineering, architecture, and agriculture.
III. The Ming Dynasty: The Great Compilation of Imperial Books
The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) was an era of unparalleled achievement in the realm of literature and scholarship. The emperors of the Ming period saw the creation of some of the most famous and comprehensive royal books, which would have a lasting influence on Chinese intellectual life.
1. The Yongle Encyclopedia (Yongle Dadian)
The Yongle Encyclopedia, commissioned by Emperor Yongle (r. 1402-1424), is one of the most monumental achievements in the history of Chinese book production. Completed in 1408, it was an unprecedented compilation of knowledge, consisting of over 11,000 volumes and containing over 22,000 manuscripts. This encyclopedia covered a wide range of subjects, including history, philosophy, literature, astronomy, medicine, and the arts. It is estimated that over 2,000 scholars worked on the project, making it one of the largest literary projects in human history.
The Yongle Encyclopedia was a symbol of the emperor’s dedication to preserving Chinese culture and knowledge for future generations. It was housed in the Imperial Library in Beijing and became a reference point for scholars throughout China.
2. The Siku Quanshu (Complete Library of the Four Treasuries)
The Siku Quanshu, compiled during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912), is another important collection of royal books. However, its compilation was initiated by Emperor Qianlong (r. 1735-1796) and was based on earlier collections from the Ming Dynasty. The Siku Quanshu is considered the largest and most complete collection of Chinese texts, comprising over 3,000 works spanning the Confucian classics, historical records, literature, philosophy, and much more.
The Siku Quanshu was compiled with the goal of creating a comprehensive record of all essential Chinese literature. The emperor’s desire to preserve the nation’s intellectual heritage and safeguard it against foreign influences is evident in this monumental work.
IV. The Qing Dynasty: Preserving Royal Knowledge
Under the Qing Dynasty, the imperial court continued the tradition of creating royal books, particularly focusing on the preservation of Chinese heritage and scholarly works.
1. The Kangxi Dictionary
One of the most notable works from the Qing period was the Kangxi Dictionary, compiled under the reign of Emperor Kangxi (r. 1662-1722). The Kangxi Dictionary is considered one of the most important Chinese dictionaries ever published. It was compiled by a team of scholars and contained over 47,000 characters, making it one of the most comprehensive dictionaries of the Chinese language. This work helped to standardize Chinese characters and became an essential tool for scholars and officials throughout the empire.
2. The Imperial Library of the Qing Dynasty
The Qing emperors placed great importance on maintaining an imperial library that housed important books, many of which were created or collected during the Ming and Qing periods. The imperial library was a key center of learning for the emperor and his officials, and it played a crucial role in shaping the educational policies of the dynasty.
V. The Lasting Legacy of Royal Books in China
The royal books of China have left an indelible mark on the country’s intellectual history. From the early Confucian texts of the Zhou Dynasty to the grand compendiums of the Ming and Qing Dynasties, these books played an essential role in shaping Chinese culture, governance, and philosophy.
Today, many of these royal books and compilations are preserved in major libraries and museums around the world, where they continue to serve as invaluable resources for scholars and historians. The preservation and study of these books allow modern generations to gain insights into China’s rich intellectual and cultural heritage, and they stand as a testament to the lasting legacy of China’s imperial past.
In conclusion, the royal books of China were not simply a collection of scholarly works; they were a reflection of the imperial court’s dedication to preserving and disseminating knowledge. These books, many of which were meticulously compiled, edited, and preserved, played a crucial role in the development of Chinese civilization and remain one of the greatest treasures of Chinese culture.