Abiding with Antiquity

與古齋琴譜

Translations from the

Yu-ku-chai-ch'in-pu Ch'in Handbook:

Ch'in Construction, Accouterments, and Pedagogy

Author: Chu Feng-chieh

Translator: James R. Binkley

Front page for the Yu-ku-chai ch’in handbook.

Summer 2004, Portland Oregon.

Jim Binkley, jrb@cs.pdx.edu

Dedicated to the memory of the Chi-yi-chai (集義齋) and its inhabitant.

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Yu-ku-chai ch’in-pu	i
Notes on the Translation	vii
Volume II: A Detailed Examination of Materials and Construction
2.1. A General Discussion on Construction of Ch'in	11
2.2. Distinguishing and Selecting Good Materials	13
2.3. Deliberations Over Accurate Measurements	21
2.4. The Heavenly Canopy is Made Round	27
2.5. The Earth Supports and Completes the Harmony	34
2.6. Rubbing the Powder on Smooth	39
2.7. Fitting the Bridge and the Nut	43
2.8. Hollowing Out the Chest and Containing the Sound	51
2.9. Correctly Positioning the Hui	55
2.10. Inlaying the Refinements of Antiquity	59
2.11. Bringing Out the Shine and Making it Bright	61
List of Materials to be Prepared and Used as Necessary	62
2.12. Eliminating Defects and Knowing the Reasons Behind Defects	65
Ten Principles for the Order of Construction	70
2.13. Good Work Requires Sharp Tools	73
Volume III: Complete Essentials for Ch’in Study
3.2. Describing the Ch’in Body	83
3.3. Names Associated with the Ch’in Face	85
3.4. Names Associated with the Bottom of the Ch’in	87
3.5. Names Associated with the Ch’in Front and Back	89
3.6. Names Associated with the Interior of the Ch’in	91
3.7. Distinguishing Genuine Tuan-wen on Ancient Ch'in	93
3.8. Distinguishing Quality in Strings	95
3.9. The Method for Making Strings	97
3.12. Making a Cord	101
3.14. How to tie the “Fly-heads”	103
3.15. The Method for Putting on the Strings	105
3.16. Putting on the Strings in Order	111
3.18. Hanging Hooks	113
3.21. Portable and Studio Tables with Stools	115
3.22. Laying a Ch’in on a Table with Sandbags	117
3.25. Methods for Strengthening and Protecting the Fingernails	119
3.26. String Tuning Methods	121
Volume IV: Thorough Explanation of How to Play the Melodies
4.4. Dictionary of Right-hand Symbols	125
4.6. Dictionary of Left-hand Symbols	135
4.7. Left and Right-Hand Fingering – An Illustrated Explanation	151
Appendices:
A. Glossary of Ch'in Parts	183
B. Selected Bibliography	187