⚠The image is a high-contrast woodblock print; some characters are slightly distorted by the original wood grain and ink application.

Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Architecture, Volume 2

The Sancai Tuhui (c. 1609) is a comprehensive encyclopedia. This section focuses on "Palaces and Dwellings" (Gongshi).

Front Diagram of the Master’s Temple and Altar

This diagram illustrates the approach to the Temple of Confucius. In the Ming Dynasty, these layouts were standardized to reflect the cosmic and social order. "The Master" is the respectful title for Confucius (Kong Fuzi).

[Rear Section] * Shrine for Awakening the Sage original: Qisheng ci. This shrine is dedicated to the father of Confucius, Shuliang He. — Left * Former Gate of the Yuan Dynasty The Yuan (1271–1368) was the Mongol-led dynasty preceding the Ming. — Center Pavilion * Shrine for Honoring the Sages original: Chongsheng ci. Dedicated to the five generations of Confucius’s ancestors. — Right [Middle Section] * Yongle Stele Commemorative stone tablet erected during the reign of the Yongle Emperor (1402–1424). — Top Left * Hongzhi Stele Commemorative stone tablet from the reign of the Hongzhi Emperor (1487–1505). — Bottom Left * Gate of Great Completion original: Dacheng men. This is the main ceremonial gate leading to the inner sanctum where the principal sacrifices are performed. — Center Large Building * Hongwu Stele Stele from the reign of the Hongwu Emperor, the founder of the Ming Dynasty (1368–1398). — Top Right * Chenghua Stele Stele from the reign of the Chenghua Emperor (1464–1487). — Bottom Right [Processional Way] * Temple Gates — Flanking the central path * The Semicircular Pond original: Panchi. A crescent-shaped pond found in Confucian temples and schools, symbolizing the "Half-Water" schools of ancient feudal states. — Represented by the horizontal textured band crossing the central axis [Front Section] * Gate of Gazing High original: Yanggao men. The name suggests looking up in awe at the Master’s wisdom. — Left Side Entrance * Gate of Pleasant Sight original: Kuaiguan men. — Right Side Entrance * The Way Crowns All Ages original: Dao guan gu jin. Inscription on a Pailou (ceremonial archway) praising the timelessness of Confucian teachings. — Left Archway * Virtue Matches Heaven and Earth original: De pei tian di. Inscription on an archway equating Confucius's moral power to the natural forces of the universe. — Right Archway * Gate of the Star of Literature original: Lingxing men. The southernmost gate, named after a star that governs literary success and the selection of scholars. — Bottom Center Main Entrance