Shen Gua
The Song Dynasty (960-1271) saw the rise of the scholar-official
as a powerful class in Chinese society. These figures had, of course, played
an important role in Chinese politics since at least the Tang Dynasty (618-907).
However, under the Song emperors the examination system reached its fullest
development, as did the Neo-Confucian training program for those hoped to
pass the rigorous exams. This program produced men of deep learning and refined
taste who participated in a vibrant intellectual culture. One of these men
was Shen Gua, about whom you read in Chapter 12 of McKay,
A History of
World Societies. In the breadth of his interest and achievement, Shen
Gua resembled the later "Renaissance Man" of Europe exemplified
by figures such as Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo (see McKay, Chapter
15). Use the links below to learn more about Shen Gua and his world.
- As you read, Shen Gua's broad interests
included the ancient game of Go, of which he was a master. Read about the
history of Go.
Consider two other ancient Chinese games: Xiang Qi,
the Chinese version Chess (when the page you'll have to scroll down) and
Mah Jong.
- Shen Gua was also interested in
technological devices, and he developed scientific explanations for how some
them worked. Go to Ancient Chinese Technology
and read about the devices the originated in China (use the icons on either
side of introduction page to access information about specific inventions).
- Shen Gua was also fascinated by
astronomy, a passion that led him to devise a solar calendar of 365 days.
Go to Chinese
New Year Calendar and zodiac to learn more about the traditional Chinese
calendar and its related astrological concept. To get a sense of how Chinese
of Shen Gua's time envisioned the heavens, take a look at some examples of
Song Celestial
Charts. Finally, examine an Astronomical
Clock devised by Shen Gua's contemporary, Su Song.
