Afterword to the Diagram of the Master’s Temple Layout

This woodblock print illustrates the architectural layout of a Confucian Temple (Kongmiao), showing the spatial relationship between the main ritual halls, commemorative steles, and ceremonial gates. "The Master" (Fuzi) refers to Confucius.

Central Axis

• Rear Hall
• Hall of Sagely Veneration original: Chongsheng dian
• Hall of Great Completion original: Dacheng dian, the main sanctuary for ritual offerings to Confucius
  • Open-air Terrace
• Gate of Great Completion
• Gate of the Star of Literature original: Lingxing men, a ceremonial gate symbolizing that Confucius is a star from heaven
• The Semicircular Pond original: Panchi, a pond with arched bridges typical of Confucian schools, symbolizing the pursuit of knowledge

West Side

Place for burning silk and offerings

• Hall of the Sage-Progenitor Dedicated to the father of Confucius
• Entrance Gate
• Sound of Gold original: Jinsheng. Part of an idiom comparing Confucius's wisdom to a musical performance that begins with the "sound of gold" (bells) and ends with the "resonance of jade" (chimes)
• Sage Gate
• West Wing
• Tang Dynasty Stele
• Stele of Primal Virtue

East Side

• Ancestral Hall
• Resonance of Jade original: Yuzhen. Completes the musical metaphor for perfect wisdom
• Hall of Odes and Rites named after the two Confucian classics essential for a gentleman's education
• Middle Gate
• East Wing
• Stele of the Primal Sage
• Song Dynasty Stele

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Diagram of Shaking the Gate Bolts

This marks the positions for the various ranks of ministers.

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The Sovereign looks upward in contemplation

The place where the empty bamboo baskets remain

This marks the positions for the various ranks of ministers.

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This diagram illustrates the ritual movements and positions for the monarch and ministers in a ceremonial hall, specifically detailing the protocol for entering and exiting through gates by "shaking the gate bolt" (original: Zhen Guan). This act served as a formal announcement of one's presence.

original: "She Zhi" (Lifting the Hem). This is a specific ritual instruction for climbing stairs; a minister must lift the hem of his long ceremonial robes to ensure he does not trip or step on the fabric, maintaining a dignified appearance.

Gate Bolt (Guan): In this ritual context, "shaking the bolt" means to rattle the door handle or the locking mechanism. It is a gesture of politeness intended to notify those inside the hall of an arrival, preventing a sudden or startled encounter.

The Screen (Ping): A large ornamental screen placed behind the seat of authority to provide a backdrop and privacy.