Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms, Volume 17 (1609) - Page 2

# Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms original: "三才圖會" (Sancai Tuhui). As previously noted, "Three Realms" refers to the triad of Heaven, Earth, and Humanity.

Geography, Volume Thirteen

Compiled by Wang Qi (styled Yuanhan) of Yunjian

Yunjian is an archaic name for the region of Songjiang, near modern-day Shanghai. Wang Qi was a noted scholar-official who dedicated his later years to this encyclopedic project.

Edited by his son, Siyi

Eastern Barbarians The various nations of Korea and Japan

The term "Barbarian" (Yi 夷) was the standard administrative term used in Ming China to categorize non-Chinese ethnic groups and foreign kingdoms. In this context, it is a geographic and political classification rather than purely a slur.

Southern Barbarians The various nations of Vietnam

original: "安南" (Annan). This was the historical Chinese name for Vietnam, meaning "the Pacified South."

Southeastern Barbarians The various nations of the Ryukyu Islands

The Ryukyu Kingdom, centered in modern Okinawa, was a vital maritime trading partner for the Ming Dynasty.

Northeastern Barbarians The various nations of the Jurchens

The Jurchens were a Tungusic people who would later establish the Qing Dynasty as the Manchus.

Western Barbarians The various nations of Tibet

original: "吐蕃" (Tufan/Tubo). This refers to the Tibetan Empire and its successor polities.

Northern Barbarians The various nations of the Tatars

original: "韃靼" (Dada). During the Ming period, this term specifically referred to the Eastern Mongols.

Southwestern Barbarians The various nations of Burma and Gucheng

Gucheng likely refers to "Ancient City" states or specific polities within the mountainous borders of modern Yunnan and Southeast Asia.

Northwestern Barbarians The various nations of Hami

Hami was a strategic oasis city-state on the Silk Road, acting as a gateway between China and Central Asia.