The Gnomon Shadow Measurement is a way of determining and organizing time using astronomical observation that was used in ancient China. It works by using a horizontal jade/stone ruler (gui 圭) to measure the length of the shadow cast by a vertical rod/pillar (biao 表). The measurement was used to tell the time, divide the year into four seasons, and calculate the calendar. This practice has a long history, with legend dating it back to one of the spiritual icons of Confucianism, the Duke Zhou (周公). In general, the literati of the Ming Dynasty did not have a good understanding of the principles, techniques, and evolution of shadow measurements, but the historical and cultural connotations related to the measurement were rich and penetrated into the daily practice of the literati in the Ming. In addition to astronomical practice, these daily practices also include the worship of Duke Zhou and the writing of the history of the “Gnomon Shadow Measurement by Duke Zhou,” and the visual expression of abstract temporal rhythms. This study attempts to focus on these two aspects and explore the Ming literati's understanding and their daily practice on the Gnomon Shadow Measurement.
Project
(2025)