Overview
Ryōkei Shinki (The New Records of Both Capitals) is a detailed geographical and historical text concerning China’s capitals during the Tang Dynasty. It records information about Chang’an (the West Capital) and Luoyang (the East Capital). The work was originally authored by Wei Shu, who lived during the Tang Dynasty. This specific manuscript copy was written during the Heian Period but later came into the possession of the Kanazawa Library (Kanazawa Bunko), which was established in Kanazawa, Musashi Province (modern Yokohama City), by Hōjō Sanetoki during the Kamakura Period. It is designated as a National Treasure because it is one of the oldest and most valuable surviving copies of Ryōkei Shinki.
Historical Background
The original text was compiled in the first half of the 8th century, during the Tang Dynasty. However, it scattered across China early on and does not exist in its complete form today. Nevertheless, manuscripts were preserved within Japan through Japanese missions to China (Kenzu). This “Kanazawa Library Copy” was written in Japan during the Heian Period (10th–11th centuries) and was later collected and housed by the Hōjō clan of Kanazawa, who valued scholarship. It holds immense global historical value as a copy of an issho (a rare or lost text), transmitting the image of ancient Chinese cities that were otherwise lost to history.
Features and Appeal
This manuscript is highly valued as a primary source for understanding the actual state of Tang Dynasty urban planning, palaces, temples, and residences.
- Former Kanazawa Library Collection: The end of the volume bears the seal of the “Kanazawa Library,” clearly confirming that it was housed in this major medieval Japanese library. This provenance adds significant historical weight to the text’s transmission.
- Key to Urban Reconstruction: Volume 3 meticulously records the structure and names of the city blocks (bō) located west of Chang’an Castle (the right street). It contains essential information for studying East Asian capital city planning.
- Calligraphy and Preservation: The text was written with elegant brushwork characteristic of the late Heian Period. Beyond its artistic beauty, its exceptionally well-preserved condition makes it important both artistically and as a historical document.
- Evidence of Sino-Japanese Cultural Exchange: It is a cultural asset that tells the story of how texts lost in China were carefully preserved and continued by Japan, demonstrating deep academic significance.
Source: Excerpted from the National Designated Cultural Properties Database (https://kunishitei.bunka.go.jp/bsys/index)