The Brocade Belt Book
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Summary
Traditional Chinese culture has a long intellectual history, marked by a high degree of originality, inventiveness, and literary quality. Early thought forms are highly distinctive: religious theology, medical classics, ancient military texts, Confucianism, Daoism, Buddhism and the Hundred Schools, feng shui and metaphysics, the Twenty-Four Histories, and local customs and geography are all vast and profound in content. This series, "Essence of Classic Chinese Culture: Original Texts," preserves the appearance of the original books and focuses on conserving and transmitting traditional Chinese thought and culture. By reading the literary essence left by ancient sages, readers cultivate their temperament and quietly come to appreciate the classics of Chinese learning.
Editor's review
Jindai Shu also belongs to the "Essence of Classic Chinese Culture: Original Texts" series, which aims to preserve and transmit traditional Chinese thought and culture and retains the original appearance of the books as far as possible. The title points to the tradition of ancient epistolary etiquette or letter writing, allowing readers to observe how written exchange, ceremonial expression, and literary rhetoric came together in traditional society. The book does not aim at popularizing rewriting, nor is it known for modern scholarly annotation; its strength lies in the form and linguistic texture of the text itself, making it suitable for readers curious about ancient literary forms, letter culture, or original classics of Chinese learning. It is best read as a traditional culture reader to be dipped into at any time, choosing pieces by consulting the table of contents and using reference works for institutional terms or difficult characters. Those expecting a systematic account of the evolution of letter formats or detailed translation and annotation should look for specialized works; those who simply want to experience the original book's appearance and build up general knowledge of Chinese learning can use this book as a light starting point.
Who it's for
A good fit for
- Traditional culture enthusiasts interested in ancient letter writing and epistolary etiquette
- General readers who wish to encounter original classics of Chinese learning directly, without relying on vernacular rewrites
- Middle school and non-specialist university students who need to build general knowledge of traditional culture
- Teachers of Chinese or cultural popularizers who need a basic reference text
Not a good fit for
- Beginners who need detailed translation, annotation, scholarly introduction, and background verification
- Specialist scholars researching ancient epistolary etiquette or literary forms
- Readers who prefer strongly narrative, light, and accessible popular reading
Reading tips
- First read the table of contents to understand the distribution of pieces, then prioritize passages related to letters and etiquette.
- While reading, pay attention to forms of address, format, and wording, and sense the ceremonial feel of ancient written exchange.
- When encountering institutional terms or rare characters, consult reference works and make brief notes.
- Do not read too much at one time; after reading, record the expressions that impressed you most in a few sentences.
Contents
- 版权信息
- 钦定四库全书提要
- 锦带书
- 太蔟正月
- 夹锺二月
- 姑洗三月
- 中吕四月
- 蕤宾五月
- 林锺六月
- 夷则七月
- 南吕八月
- 无射九月
- 应锺十月
- 黄锺十一月
- 大吕十二月
FAQ
What is Jindai Shu mainly about?
Judging from the title and the series positioning, the book relates to ancient epistolary etiquette and the tradition of letter writing, and is a Chinese-learning reader that preserves the original book's appearance. For specific pieces and format, consult the actual table of contents; readers can use it to understand etiquette and rhetoric in traditional written exchange.
Is this book suitable for beginners to read directly?
It can serve as an attempt to encounter original texts, but beginners may encounter obstacles in classical Chinese expression and institutional terminology. It is advisable to use a classical Chinese dictionary, or first read an introductory work with translation and annotation as a foundation, then return to this book to experience the original text.
What background knowledge is needed to read this book?
Basic knowledge of classical Chinese helps, and familiarity with ancient forms of address, letter formats, and common allusions makes it easier to enter. If background knowledge is insufficient, look up relevant entries while reading; there is no need to wait until fully prepared to begin.
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About the author
Xiao Tong
Author · Chinese
Xiao Tong (501–531), courtesy name Deshi and childhood name Weimo, was a native of Nanlanling (present-day Changzhou, Jiangsu) and the eldest son of Emperor Wu of Liang, Xiao Yan. He was installed as crown prince in the first year of the Tianjian era and was posthumously titled Zhaoming, so he is commonly known as Crown Prince Zhaoming. He gathered many men of letters and presided over the compilation of the Wen Xuan (also known as Zhaoming Wenxuan), the earliest extant anthology of poetry and prose in China. The work selects notable pieces from the pre-Qin period to the Liang dynasty and arranges them by genre, and has long been regarded as a model for the study of classical literature. Xiao Tong was also a writer himself and authored works including the Jindai Shu. His works are generally classed under classics, ancient poetry, and Eastern philosophy, and have exerted a lasting influence.
