Dragon Gate Collection, Artifacts Manual: Wenzhou Literature Series

Author: Longmen Ji (Ming) Hou Yilin compiled, Cai Kujiao edited; Shenqi Pu (Ming) Zhao Shizhen compiled, Cai Kujiao edited
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-03-01
Features: Longmen Ji, a 20-volume work with one appendix, was compiled by Hou Yilin of the Ming Dynasty. Hou Yilin, styled Shunzhao and known as Sigushan Ren, was from Leqing, Wenzhou, Zhejiang. His birth and death years are not recorded in historical records. According to Wang Shuogao's "Yujieyuan Cuncao" (Volume 7, "He Hou Sigushan Shekeli Yun"), the line "With you born in the spring of Dingchou, together we are one hundred sixty-six" suggests that Hou Yilin was born in the 12th year of the Zhengde era (1517) and was still alive at the age of 80 (in the 27th year of the Wanli era, 1599), maintaining poetic exchanges with Wang Shuogao. The academic value of Longmen Ji lies in its preservation of a large amount of historical records from the Jiajing and Longqing periods, making it highly valuable as a historical source. Longmen Ji has a Ming Longqing edition, preceded by an introduction by Hou Yuyuan from the 6th year of the Longqing era (1572) and an preface by Xia Jing from the 23rd year of the Jiajing era (1544). At the end, there is a postscript by Dai Xiang from the 6th year of the Longqing era and a postface by Wang Zheng. This edition is recorded in "Wenruilu Mubai" (Volume 9), "Qianqingtang Mubai" (Volume 24), and "Wenzhou Jingji Zhi" (Volume 27). However, it is not included in the "Art Section of the Ming Shi," "General Catalog of the Siku Quanshu," or "Catalog of Fine Ancient Chinese Books." Shenqi Pu is a renowned work in the history of science and technology and military history of China, receiving significant attention both domestically and internationally and having exerted profound influence.