Sancai fami

Sancai fami. (The secrets of the three powers [heaven, earth and mankind]) 三才發秘. by Chen Wen. ca. 1697.

This work is an exploration of the secret of the triad of Heaven, Earth, and Man. Its eight volumes are divided into three parts, each concentrating on one of the three powers : heaven, earth, and mankind. Volumes 1-4 cover Chinese astrology/astronomy, volumes 5-7 deal with geomancy, and volume 8 the arts known and practised at Peking. The author's preface is dated 1697.

Inman's copy  is complete in eight fascicles, woodblock printed and stitched bound in soft covers. 

Title page of first fascicle
The title page of the first fascicle, still enclosed in its original protective cover

Sample pages from various places throughout the work:

Sample page from the first fascicle
Sample page from the first fascicle
Sample opening from the second fascicle
Sample opening from the second fascicle
Sample opening from the fifth fascicle
Sample opening from the fifth fascicle
Another opening from the fifth fascicle
Another opening from the fifth fascicle

 

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