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