Shujing (書經), or The Book of Documents, is one of the Five Classics of Confucianism, a foundational text of Chinese political philosophy and history.
This Japanese Edo–Meiji period woodblock edition, printed in kanbun (漢文) format with Japanese reading marks, was used in Confucian academies and temple schools as a moral and political textbook.
Compiled over centuries beginning in the early Zhou dynasty, the Shujing records the speeches, decrees, and teachings of ancient Chinese rulers, illustrating the ideals of virtuous governance and moral leadership.
It emphasizes the belief that rulers should lead through benevolence, justice, and wisdom, forming the ethical foundation of East Asian civilization.
This Japanese edition features a brown embossed cover in traditional fukuro-toji (side-stitch) binding, printed on washi handmade paper, with clear black characters arranged in vertical columns and commentary headings above.
Such editions reflect Japan’s Edo-era reverence for Chinese classics, which shaped the education of samurai, scholars, and officials.
A superb collectible representing the intellectual bridge between Chinese moral philosophy and Japanese scholarly tradition.
-
Title: 書經 (Shujing, “Book of Documents” or “Classic of History”)
-
Content: Confucian classic on ancient Chinese governance, virtue, and statecraft
-
Language: Classical Chinese (漢文) with Japanese reading marks
-
Printing: Woodblock on handmade washi paper
-
Binding: Fukuro-toji (Japanese side-stitch binding)
-
Cover: Brown embossed patterned paper with printed title slip
-
Date: Late Edo to early Meiji period (c. 1850–1870)
-
Origin: Japan
The Shujing is the earliest Chinese work on statecraft and political ethics, forming the philosophical foundation for Confucian governance.
During Japan’s Edo period, it was one of the core texts (四書五経) studied by scholars seeking moral and administrative excellence.
This woodblock edition embodies Japan’s intellectual devotion to Confucian learning, representing centuries of cross-cultural scholarship between China and Japan.
