Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms

original: 三才圖會 (Sancai Tuhui). A comprehensive encyclopedia from the Ming dynasty intended to categorize all aspects of the universe.

Human Affairs, Volume 3

original: 人物 (Renwu). This section documents historical figures, imperial lineages, and cultural leaders.

Portrait of Emperor Lizong of Song

original: 宋理宗像. The fourteenth emperor of the Song dynasty (r. 1224–1264), whose reign saw the rise of the Mongol Empire and the decline of the Southern Song.

Genealogical Chart of the Liao Dynasty

original: 遼世系圖. A lineage chart of the Khitan-led empire that ruled much of Northern China and Mongolia from 916 to 1125.

Genealogical Chart of the Jin Dynasty

original: 金世系圖. A lineage chart of the Jurchen-led empire (1115–1234) that overthrew the Liao and forced the Song dynasty to flee south.

Genealogical Chart of the Yuan Dynasty

original: 元世系圖. A lineage chart for the Mongol-led dynasty (1271–1368) established by Kublai Khan.

Portrait of Emperor Shizu of Yuan

original: 元世祖像. Refers to Kublai Khan (r. 1260–1294), the grandson of Genghis Khan and the first Mongol ruler to claim the title of Emperor of China.

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Genealogical Chart of the Imperial Ming Dynasty

original: 皇明帝系之圖. The lineage of the "Great Ming," the dynasty current to the authors of this encyclopedia (1368–1644).

Portrait of Emperor Taizu the Great

original: 太祖高皇帝像. The Hongwu Emperor (r. 1368–1398), the peasant-born founder of the Ming dynasty who expelled the Mongols.

Portrait of Emperor Chengzu the Literary

original: 成祖文皇帝像. The Yongle Emperor (r. 1402–1424), a powerful ruler who moved the capital to Beijing and built the Forbidden City.

Portrait of Emperor Shizong the Reverent

original: 世宗肅皇帝像. The Jiajing Emperor (r. 1521–1567), known for his long reign and dedication to Taoist rituals.