Family Treasure: An Encyclopaedia of Ancient Chinese Life

Author: Shi Chengjin (Qing Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-10-01
Features: ★16-inch boxed set, published by Jilin Literature and History Press ★Complied by Qing Dynasty scholar Shi Chengjin ★The entire book is filled with witty and engaging content, illustrated with images and texts ★Gathers various life skills from self-cultivation and family management to social interactions and entertainment, as well as methods for raising children, nurturing the spirit, and practical tips for success in all trades (agriculture, industry, commerce, etc.) ★Suitable for people from all walks of life and social strata to collect and read, serving as a comprehensive household encyclopedia.
In the long history of Chinese civilization, our ancestors left us countless and unreadable works on society and life. The Chuajiaobao (Family Treasure) compiled by Yangzhou’s Shi Chengjin during the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty is one such work with distinctive characteristics.
First, the author’s motivation for writing Chuajiaobao was not to elevate the act of writing to the same level as "establishing merit" or "upholding virtue," as a personal immortal achievement meant to be "hidden in mountains and passed down to worthy individuals." Instead, the goal was to create a practical book for daily household life. It covers everything from cooking oil, salt, firewood, and rice to eating, dressing, sitting, standing, walking, cleaning, and responding to social situations, as well as father-son, brother-brother, wife-husband, mother-in-law-son-in-law relationships, raising children, respecting the elderly and helping the poor, as well as the joys of nature—wind, flowers, snow, and moon—activities for self-nurturing, and various methods for averting disasters and praying for blessings. It also includes the operating skills of all trades, from agriculture to industry and commerce. In those days, it could truly be said to be a "household encyclopedia where one book solves all problems."
Second, commendable is the author’s pursuit of accessibility. Shi Chengjin believed that "only a small fraction of the population are those who read and understand the ways of the world, while the majority are those who do not read or read little." Therefore, Chuajiaobao uses simple and easy-to-understand language, discussing familiar and relatable daily matters, achieving what was praised at the time as "every word is common, every matter is touching." This made the book accessible and enjoyable for people from all social strata and professions, allowing it to spread widely.
Third, Chuajiaobao, apart from its practicality and accessibility, is a highly refined work with a high standard. It is based on the principles of "rectifying the heart and cultivating ethics" and upholds truth, goodness, and beauty. Beyond teaching readers how to manage household life and acquire, preserve, use, and consume material goods, the book also dedicates significant space to compiling the exemplary words and deeds of famous figures throughout history, inspiring people to enjoy life, appreciate the tranquility of nature—gentle clouds, light breezes, flowing mountains, singing insects, shimmering lakes, wind-swept pine needles, clean moonlight, and radiant dawn—through spiritual purification. It encourages readers to enhance their appreciation of natural beauty without spoiling the scenery.
Chuajiaobao particularly emphasizes the beauty of human relationships and human nature. It states, "Learning is based on innate knowledge, and what is practiced in one’s own life should be taught to others. Sharing happiness and longevity brings joy." The book advocates for truth and realism while opposing hypocrisy and deceit. Therefore, we can say that Chuajiaobao is not only a household encyclopedia but also a book that enhances wisdom, aesthetic refinement, moral values, and self-reflection in daily life, serving as a model for personal growth with a noble character.
Chuajiaobao was compiled three hundred years ago, and it is inevitable that its perspectives and knowledge have limitations and flaws, including some feudal and unhealthy content. When reading the works of ancient people, we aim to engage in dialogue and learn from them, while also reflecting on and understanding the times they lived in. Readers should inherit these works critically. Three hundred years of changes are vast, and we cannot expect ancient books to perfectly align with our lives or understanding. Looking back is to look forward. From works like Chuajiaobao, we can see the perseverance of our ancestors, their profound knowledge, their love for life, and their broad-mindedness in sharing happiness and longevity with all. This will undoubtedly inspire us to broaden our horizons and enrich our lives.
Chuajiaobao was compiled by Shi Chengjin of Yangzhou during the Kangxi era of the Qing Dynasty. It covers everything from cooking oil, salt, firewood, and rice to eating, dressing, sitting, standing, walking, cleaning, and responding to social situations, as well as father-son, brother-brother, wife-husband, mother-in-law-son-in-law relationships, raising children, respecting the elderly and helping the poor, as well as the joys of nature—wind, flowers, snow, and moon—activities for self-nurturing, and various methods for averting disasters and praying for blessings. It also includes the operating skills of all trades, from agriculture to industry and commerce. In those days, it could truly be said to be a "household encyclopedia where one book solves all problems."
This is a work by Qing Dynasty scholar Shi Chengjin that teaches people how to live and handle life. The author comprehensively collects and compiles all aspects of life that people generally concern—ranging from self-cultivation and family management to social interactions, reading, and entertainment, as well as methods for raising children, nurturing the spirit, and the operating skills of all trades (agriculture, industry, commerce, etc.). The language is mostly clear and easy to understand, making the book engaging and enjoyable. At the same time, it fully utilizes the vast historical and literary resources of ancient China, extensively compiling exemplary works of wise figures throughout history, truly embodying the essence of the Four Treasuries (Confucian classics, historical records, philosophical works, and literary collections) and encompassing all aspects of past and present society and human relationships. It is a work in the form of an encyclopedia. This book is suitable for people from all walks of life and social strata to collect and read. Those in politics can gain insights into the workings of the world; merchants can learn the secrets of wealth and prosperity; and ordinary people can discover the true principles of life’s happiness.