The Textual Construction of Genealogies in the Ming Dynasty

Speaker: Shuangjie Li | 励双杰, Specially Appointed Researcher, Tianyige Museum; Shanghai Library; Nankai University

This lecture focuses on the bibliographical characteristics and authentication essentials of Ming dynasty genealogies. Based on a broad understanding of collections held both in China and abroad, it begins with an investigation into the origins and transmission of Song and Yuan ancestral editions, and systematically analyzes the distinctive patterns of Ming genealogies in terms of title evolution, geographic distribution and edition typology.

Particular attention is given to the manuscript Zhang Clan Genealogy dated to the 13th year of the Hongwu reign (1380), examining its significance as an early model. Through a comparative study of Jiajing-era manuscript copies of the Su and Wang clan genealogies, the lecture reveals the phenomenon of fabricated pedigrees in the mid-Ming period, in which lineages were falsely attributed to prestigious clans.

In terms of physical format and printing, the lecture will, for the first time, present a concentrated display of the diversity of manuscripts, the technological application of movable-type printing and empirical evidence from genealogical works carved by the Huizhou craftsman Huang of Qiuchuan, known as the “Master Dragon Carver.” It will demonstrate how the Huangchuan Hu Clan Genealogy reshapes the starting point of Ming printing history, and how the engraved signature of Huang Shouyan in the Tuo Mountain Cheng Clan Genealogy forms cross-textual evidence linking renowned artisans and celebrated works alongside the Chengshi Moyuan.

The lecture also addresses the physical damage patterns and methods of dating Ming genealogies. Finally, by examining surviving editions from the first year of the Yongli reign (1647) and the thirteenth year of the Shunzhi reign (1656), spanning the Southern Ming to the early Qing period, it delineates the chronological boundaries of Ming genealogies and provides empirical criteria for library authentication and collection appraisal.

Li Shuangjie is a specially appointed researcher at institutions including Tianyige Museum, the Shanghai Library, and Nankai University, and a member of the Private Ancient Book Collections Committee of the China Association for the Preservation of Ancient Books.

His private library, “Sisuicaotang” (Studio of Contemplative Harmony), is renowned for its collection of pre-1949 genealogies, holding nearly 30,000 volumes, including almost one hundred Ming-dynasty editions. It is an important center, both in China and abroad, for the private collection and research of genealogical records.

He serves as chief editor of the large-scale Sisuicaotang series, which includes publications selected as key national publishing projects during China’s 12th and 13th Five-Year Plans. He has received the First Prize of the National Outstanding Ancient Books Award and is also the author of the full-length novels Yang Mou and Secret Hue.

Through compiling scholarly works and organizing historical documents, he has transformed private collections into public cultural resources, making outstanding contributions to the field of genealogical studies.