Illustrated Encyclopedia of China - Tachibana Morikuni

A detailed woodblock print from the 1719 'Morokoshi kinmō zui', featuring an astronomical diagram by the Japanese artist Tachibana Morikuni.

This woodblock print originates from the 'Morokoshi kinmō zui', an encyclopaedic work published in 1719 by the Japanese artist Tachibana Morikuni. Morikuni was a prominent figure of the Kano school, and his contributions to the dissemination of knowledge through printed media were significant during the Edo period. This specific page displays a cosmological diagram, illustrating the movement of celestial bodies and the relationship between the earth and the heavens as understood in the early eighteenth century.

The composition is divided into distinct sections, each containing precise line work and kanji annotations. The right panel features a large circular diagram representing the ecliptic and celestial equator, with the character for 'earth' (chi) positioned at the centre. The left panel provides supplementary diagrams, including a smaller circular chart and a schematic representation of the horizon. These illustrations demonstrate the application of traditional woodblock techniques to convey complex astronomical concepts. The lines are clean and deliberate, reflecting the disciplined training of the Kano school, which prioritised clarity and structural integrity in its compositions.

As a piece of historical documentation, this print offers insight into the intellectual climate of Japan during the Edo era, when scholars sought to synthesise Chinese scientific thought with local observations. The use of monochrome ink on paper is characteristic of the period, relying on the contrast between the dark lines and the natural tone of the paper to define the geometric forms. This print is a valuable example of how scientific information was visualised and shared before the advent of modern printing technologies. It remains a clear representation of the intersection between artistic practice and the study of the natural world in historical Japan.