Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Architecture (1609) - Page 13

Auspicious Dwelling Auspicious Dwelling

Hillock

Auspicious Dwelling

In this dwelling, the right side is short and the left side is long. Even if the left side were short, what harm would there be? As long as the rear of the property is orderly neat and tidy and rounded, it is auspicious. If commoners original: shuren (庶人), the non-noble classes or ordinary citizens. reside here, they will produce children who are wise and virtuous.

When a hillock or mound is located in the northeast original: Gen direction (艮方), one of the eight directions in the Bagua or Eight Trigrams, corresponding to the northeast., what harm can there be in establishing a home and planning for the future? Constructing and settling a manor here is indeed auspicious; wealth, honor, and splendor will flourish for generations to come.

Though the left side is short and the right side is long, the site remains peaceful. The rear is narrow and pointed while the front is wide; building on this land is lucky for the household population. Descendants will thrive and prosper, surpassing even the success of the fields and silkworms original: tiancan (田蠶), a traditional metaphor for agricultural abundance and the core of a rural family's wealth..

Glossary of Terms

Auspicious Residence (吉宅, jizhai): A home built on land with favorable geomantic properties (Feng Shui) that ensures the health and prosperity of the occupants.

Gen Direction (艮方, Genfang): The northeast direction. In traditional Chinese thought, this direction is associated with "Mountain" and "Stillness," and its placement of land features like hills can significantly impact a home's energy.

Hillock (坵堖, qiunao): A small natural mound or elevation. In these manuals, the specific placement of such mounds relative to the house determines whether the site is lucky or unlucky.

Construction and Repair (修造, xiuzao): A technical term in geomancy referring to the act of building or renovating a structure according to specific timing and spatial rules.