1781AD Antique Chinese Japanese 10 Book Complete Set: Four Books. The Four Books are Chinese classic texts illustrating the core value and belief systems in Confucianism. They were selected by Zhu Xi in the Song dynasty to serve as general introduction to Confucian thought, and they were, in the Ming and Qing dynasties, made the core of the official curriculum for the civil service examinations. They are: "Great Learning": Originally one chapter in the Book of Rites. It consists of a short main text attributed to Confucius and nine commentary chapters by Zengzi, one of the disciples of Confucius. Its importance is illustrated by Zengzi's foreword that this is the gateway of learning. It is significant because it expresses many themes of Chinese philosophy and political thinking, and has therefore been extremely influential both in classical and modern Chinese thought. Government, self-cultivation and investigation of things are linked. "Doctrine of the Mean": Another chapter in Book of Rites, attributed to Confucius' grandson Zisi. The purpose of this small, 33-chapter book is to demonstrate the usefulness of a golden way to gain perfect virtue. It focuses on the Way (道) that is prescribed by a heavenly mandate not only to the ruler but to everyone. To follow these heavenly instructions by learning and teaching will automatically result in a Confucian virtue. Because Heaven has laid down what is the way to perfect virtue, it is not that difficult to follow the steps of the holy rulers of old if one only knows what is the right way. "Analects": A compilation of speeches by Confucius and his disciples, as well as the discussions they held. Since Confucius's time, the Analects has heavily influenced the philosophy and moral values of China and later other East Asian countries as well. The Imperial examinations, started in the Sui dynasty and eventually abolished with the founding of the Republic of China, emphasized Confucian studies and expected candidates to quote and apply the words of Confucius in their essays. "Mencius": A collection of conversations of the scholar Mencius with kings of his time. In contrast to the sayings of Confucius, which are short and self-contained, the Mencius consists of long dialogues with extensive prose. A little about how these were printed. The printing method in Japan up to the late 1800's was through wood blocks (Hangi). An entire page of writing would be laboriously carved out of a block of wood . . . backwards. In the exact same style as the original writer. Usually someone with beautiful calligraphic writing. These wood blocks would then be used to make multiple copies.. This was the way of printing in Japan before they began to go to movable type in the late 1800's. The paper is called washi and is made from mulberry pulp. It's often called "rice paper" but this is a misnomer. No rice was harmed in it's production. The magic thing about washi is that the older the paper gets the softer it gets. Using old Japanese books is like turning the pages of a book made of fine cloth. (The paper doesn't become brittle because of the lack of acid used in the production). Woodblock prints and these old books are a reflection of an artistry that no longer exists.

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