Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms

Volume 19: People

Pujialong

original: "蒲家龍" (Pújiālóng). While the exact modern location is debated, historical geographers often identify this kingdom with locations in the Malay Archipelago or Southeast Asia, such as Bakulon in Borneo or regions in Sumatra, which were vital hubs in the medieval spice trade.

Pujialong is situated in the Eastern Sea original: "海東" (hǎidōng). In Ming geographical contexts, this generally refers to the waters of the South China Sea or the maritime regions to the south and east of the Chinese coast.. If one sets sail from Guangzhou in the south and enjoys favorable winds, the kingdom can be reached in the span of a single month.

The King of this land wears his hair gathered in a topknot at the back of his head. The common people, however, shave their heads. For their drink, they ferment the juice of coconuts to create wine; its color is a mixture of red and white, and its flavor is quite pleasant.

The land is a rich source of precious spices and aromatics, producing:

• Black Pepper original: "胡椒" (hújiāo)
• Sandalwood original: "檀香" (tánxiāng)
• Agarwood original: "沉香" (chénxiāng). Also known as 'aloeswood,' this resinous heartwood was highly prized for incense and medicine.
• Cloves original: "丁香" (dīngxiāng)
• White Cardamom original: "白豆蔻" (báidòukòu)