{"product_id":"shenhua-an-chuan-mythical-case-records-circa-1550-1650-an-illuminated-manuscript-of-chinese-mythological-tales-and-prayers-with-twenty-nine-star-charts-and-constellation-gatherings","title":"Shenhua an Chuan (Mythical Case Records), Circa 1550-1650. An Illuminated Manuscript of Chinese Mythological Tales and Prayers, with Twenty-Nine Star Charts and Constellation Gatherings","description":"\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eTitle:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: Roboto; color: #5f6368; background: white;\"\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eShenhua an Chuan (Mythical Case Records), Circa 1550-1650. An Illuminated Manuscript of Chinese Mythological Tales and Prayers, with Twenty-Nine Star Charts and Constellation Gatherings\u003cbr\u003eCondition: Very Good\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eA Late Muromachi to Early Edo Period, Mid 16th to 17th century manuscript handscroll, entitled Shenhua an Chuan, or Mythical Case Records.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eAs the title would hint at, the manuscript is a serious of Chinese mythological tales and prayers and is accompanied by relevant star charts and constellation gatherings. Accompanying the Chinese calligraphy is kundoku, a method of visual reading aid meant to support Japanese readers of this scroll.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eThroughout the scroll, there are numerous diagrams of constellation gatherings and stars, produced in golden and silver inks. Altogether, there are 29 beautiful diagrams and charts, and the last three or four strongly resemble mandala star charts, with numerous groupings and constellation depictions. I am reminded heavily of the Hoshi Mandala, used by the Shingon and Tendai Sects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eThe calligraphy has been neatly written in a 17-character format, each column ruled and borders in golden ink.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eThe calligraphy and paintings have been laid down and bound in scroll format, with a beautiful brocade decorated cover of orange and various geometric designs.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eOne brocade decorated handscroll of illuminated calligraphy and paintings, 27.5 x 1159 cm\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 11.0pt; line-height: 115%; font-family: 'Calibri',sans-serif; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman';\"\u003eThis manuscript is in very good shape, with minor wear and rubbing to the brocade decorated cover. There is minor, scattered staining and soiling in places, and a few sheets are slightly loosening. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"That Guy With The Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51636154958135,"sku":null,"price":8650.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0281\/1589\/4371\/files\/20260114_160336.jpg?v=1769974514","url":"https:\/\/thatguywiththebooks.com\/products\/shenhua-an-chuan-mythical-case-records-circa-1550-1650-an-illuminated-manuscript-of-chinese-mythological-tales-and-prayers-with-twenty-nine-star-charts-and-constellation-gatherings","provider":"That Guy With The Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}