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Review Article

The Bronze Acupuncture Model Produced by Emperor

Qianlong’s Order in 1744 A.D.
Hong Qin
Shanghai Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China

Abstract
The bronze acupuncture model was produced by Emperor Qianlong’s order in 1744 A.D. It has been 274 years since then, and this model
has always been well kept and handed down with a full record. It is of great traditional medical and cultural value, regarded as the treasure of
Shanghai Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine due to its rareness and intactness both at home and abroad.

Keywords: Bronze acupuncture model, Ding Jimin, Fu Hai, Wang Jimin, Yi Zong Jin Jian (《医宗金鉴》Golden Mirror of Medicine),
Yuzhi Zhenjiuxiang Chongxiuji (The Rebuilding Record of Acupuncture Models by Emperor’s Order), Zhen Sheng

During the reign of Emperor Qianlong in the Qing Dynasty, the book, Wang also took charge of the design and production
Wu Qian (Dean of the Imperial Academy of Medicine) and of two bronze models. In the 5th year of Tiansheng (1027 A.D.),
his colleagues compiled a comprehensive series of medical the two models were cast in real human size and became the
works – Yi Zong Jin Jian (《医宗金鉴》 Golden Mirror valuable carriers of the first national standard of acupoints.[1] One
of Medicine) by imperial orders, which was published in model was placed in the Benevolence Hall of Xiangguo Temple
the 7th year of Qianlong (1742 A.D.). After the series was in Bianliang, and the other was stored in the Medical Bureau of
completed, the Emperor ordered the craftsmen to cast a batch Bianliang. During Jingkang period (1126–1127 A.D.), when the
of bronze acupuncture models to reward all the staff who had Jin army captured the city, one model was carried to Xiangyang
contributed to the compilation. Up till now, there is only one and then disappeared and the other model was robbed to the
model in existence, collected as the most precious treasure north with the Illustrated Classic carved in stone, which were
and exhibited on the second floor of the Shanghai Museum of then placed in the Er. Huang Temple of the Imperial Academy
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). of Medicine in Dadu in the Yuan Dynasty. Yet, it was lost and
became a mystery as well during the Zhengtong period of the
Bronze acupuncture models are cast in human figures with
Ming Dynasty (1435–1449 A.D.) [Figure 2].
meridians and acupoints. Their production can be dated
back to the Tiansheng period of the Northern Song Dynasty The Zhengtong acupuncture models in the Ming dynasty
(1023–1032 A.D.) and was inherited in the Ming–Qing were recast by Emperor YingZong’s order imitating the
Dynasties and modern times, having been deemed as the Tiansheng models in the 8th year of Zhengtong (1443 A.D.),
symbol of TCM acupuncture [Figure 1]. collected in the Imperial Academy of Medicine. The Qing
Government followed the Ming example and treasured the
In Chinese medical history, the first acupuncture model was Zhengtong models in its Imperial Academy. In the 26th year of
designed and produced by Wang Weiyi (王惟一) in the Northern Guangxu (1900 A.D.), the Eight‑Power Allied Forces invaded
Song Dynasty named as Tiansheng Bronze Model. In 1026 A.D., Beiping and the Russian army robbed the models to Russia.
the work of Xin Zhu Tong Ren Shuxue Zhenjiu Tu Jing (《新铸
铜人腧穴针灸图经》 The Illustrated Acupuncture Classic of Address for correspondence: Prof. Hong Qin,
New Cast of Bronze Model) compiled by Wang Weiyi by Emperor Shanghai Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai University of
RenZong’s Order was published, which was a monograph on Traditional Chinese Medicine, China.
E‑mail: 13918162021@163.com
acupuncture organized by the government. When he was writing

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DOI:
10.4103/CMAC.CMAC_12_18 How to cite this article: Qin H. The bronze acupuncture model produced
by emperor qianlong’s order in 1744 A.D.. Chin Med Cult 2018;1:21-4.

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Qin: The Bronze acupuncture model

It was documented in the Records of The Imperial Academy able to afford the price then and bring it to a medical museum.”[2]
of Medicine by Ren Xigeng, “the standard bronze models Ding Jimin immediately promised to buy it back if it had not
were erected in front of the Yaowang Temple in the Imperial been sold. Hence, Mr. Wang “wrote to his doctor friend named
Academy of Medicine; and all the acupoints were correctly Li Yousong in Beiping and asked him to buy the model, and
marked and annotated with characters, superior to books and fortunately, it was still in the shop, but since the owner was
illustrations in details; and they were indeed the standard of gone and the price increased, it took Li much effort to get it;”
acupuncture and models of medicine; the models were cast “what’s worse was that during war time it was difficult to deliver
in Zhengtong period and robbed by the Russian army in the it safely back… it seemed much harder to take the not‑so‑large
26th year of Guangxu.” In 2005, the study group led by expert a model than moving a mountain.” Later, Mr. Wang Shunhe,
of Huang Longxiang from the China Academy of Chinese one of Wang Jimin’s friends, was requested to bring the model
Medical Science went to Russia and confirmed after inspection to Shanghai, and he made it through passing many barriers
that the acupuncture models collected in the State Hermitage and conquering hardships. In the end, the transport expense
Museum in St. Petersburg were the Zhengtong models which cost even much more than the model itself, and these were all
had been lost for over a century.[1] covered by Mr. Ding Jimin. His exclamation of “beginning from
the medical official academy and ending in medical museum”
The Process of Collection on the complicated experience of the bronze model was indeed
Ding Jimin wrote at the beginning of the Story of the Bronze a reflection of his devotion to the cause of TCM.
Model, “last year, I met with Mr. Wang Jimin on one occasion In 1945, when Wang Jimin made a proposal, Ding Jimin
when we talked about the relics in Chinese medical history; Mr. offered money, Li Yousong bought it from an antique shop in
Wang told me he once came across a bronze model in a Beijing Beijing, and the model was collected in the Medical History
antique shop which was said to be the possess of a bannerman
named Shizong and that he took it as a great pity since he wasn’t

Figure 2: Golden Mirror of Medicine

Figure 1: The Bronze Acupuncture Mode

Figure 3: Wang Weiyi Figure 4: Shanghai Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine

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Qin: The Bronze acupuncture model

Museum of Chinese Medical Association, it had been 39 years The subject of He‑Prince Hong Zhou, in charge of affairs of
from 1906 and two centuries since it was made (1745 A.D.). medical book department, took the order to compile the series
It really makes one wonder if it was a coincidence of time or of Golden Mirror of Medicine and completed the mission now,
a plan of destiny. here then respectfully delivered the report to Your Majesty. This
responded to the previous imperial edict that Your Majesty
The Condition of the Collection ordered me to investigate the compilation of the medical series
by the imperial academy on February 7th (lunar calendar) in the
When it was shipped to Shanghai in 1945, the acupuncture
5th year of Qianlong (1740 A.D.). I learned that after the edict
model was placed in a brocade case with a book of The Record
was issued, the Imperial Medical Academy, National Academy,
of Acupuncture Models Rebuilt by Emperor’s Order in classic
and officials of all ministries had written to the Imperial College
butterfly style, written by Fu Hai’s ninth‑generation grandson
and provincial education commissioner of Zhili and ordered
of Zhen Sheng in the Guimao year of Guangxu (1903 A.D.),
the recommendation and fair selection of those who were
with a record of November (lunar calendar) of the 32nd year of
expert both at medicine and literature. I’ve also confirmed the
Guangxu (1906 A.D.) on its cover.
chosen authors dedicated themselves to the compilation day and
The original text of The Rebuilding Record of Acupuncture night, annotating with black and red inks and collaborating to
Models by Emperor’s Order was as follows: contribute to the successful accomplishment of the work. They
did deserve a reward as compliment and for encouragement. But,
I am a ninth‑generation Confucian doctor, practice and
I can’t decide what and how to award those officials and staff
treat patients, and take a position in a major hospital. My
who had participated in the project. Respectfully look forward
previous ancestors were all famous doctors, and our family
to Your Majesty’s decree. December 12th (lunar calendar), the
treasures an acupuncture model produced by Emperor’s
9th year of Qianlong (1744 A.D.)
order, exquisite and intact. I like to appreciate rare relics
and deem this as a valuable mirror of medicine. After The imperial edict: According to the former rules of authoring
the Gengzi war (1900 A.D.), the government determined and compiling books, all those officials who had contributed to
to make progress, abolish imperial examination, and the project were granted a one‑grade promotion to the previous
establish universities to benefit from practical science positions, with a bronze model in addition to a set of the series
and cultural achievements. My generation friend of Xu as special rewards. Hope all the staff will make more endeavors
Huaqing responded to the government’s call, set up the to adapt themselves to the future changes of medicine. Others
Beiyang Military Medical College, and was appointed as shall follow this decision. His Majesty’s Order.
the executive officer. Moreover, the Japanese friend of Gojo
The words on the bottom of the brocade case were recorded
Meikei (ごじょうめいけい) was employed by the Qing
as follows:
Government as a medical officer in the Beiyang General
Office. I once invited them to dine at home in Tianjin, they The subject of E’ertai, Chancellor Taibao, Grand Secretary,
found the bronze model on the desk at my study.  They both Third‑class Earl and charge of affairs in medical book
loved it greatly and praised it as a rare treasure and valuable department, abided by His Majesty’s edict and discussed with
reference to TCM doctors of later generations. Due to long Qian Doubao, the assistant official of the Imperial Academy of
time of storage, the decorating thin silk became rotten but Medicine. All the departments participating in the compilation
the inter‑inscriptions were still clear and it was finely cast should follow the former rules and award corresponding staff.
with all the meridians and acupoints perfectly engraved.
Now, it was confirmed the subject of Fu Hai, endowing assistant
Hence, I asked the craftsmen to redecorate it with yellow
governor, had acted as a transcriber, so in addition to one‑grade
silks following its original style; hopefully, it would be well
promotion of his previous position, he will be awarded a bronze
kept and handed down to the future generations. Here was
model produced by Emperor’s order and a set of the series.
it recorded, revised in the November (lunar calendar) of the
29th year of Guangxu (1903 A.D.), and respectfully written The next day, all the officials awarded should be gathered and
by Zhen Sheng, the ninth‑generation grandson of Man‑Jhou be led to express gratitude to His Majesty.
Sanjia Fu family of Zhenglan Banner. Assistant official of the Imperial Academy of Medicine and
The record on the cover was, director of the Banqueting Court, subject of Qian Doubao had
issued the rewards, Doubao (signature).
November (Lunar Calendar) of the 32 nd  year of
Guangxu (1906 A.D.) Right leading official and endowing assistant governor with
one‑grade promotion, subject of Fu Hai had received the
The Rebuilding Record of Acupuncture Models by rewards, Fu Hai (signature).
Emperor’s Order
Collected by the descendant of Fu family. The Cultural Heritage the Collection
The words on the gate flaps of the brocade case to place the The Rebuilding Record by Zhen Sheng reveals the orderly
model were recorded as follows: collection and spreads this bronze acupuncture model. After

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Qin: The Bronze acupuncture model

Fu Hai received the reward, it was handed down in the family model are meridians and 580 acupoints. It is in dark bronze
through nine generations and then was collected by the antique color and solid, with a height of 46 cm, width of 22.8 cm, and
shop. thickness of 16 cm.
From the Record, we know the external silk wall of the According to the record on the gate flaps of the brocade case,
brocade case was rotten due to mildew and insect bite, so the compilation of the Golden Mirror of Medicine was started
Zhen Sheng redecorated it with yellow silks following the on February 7th (lunar calendar) of the 5th year of Qianlong
original style, hoping it would be well preserved and passed (1740 A.D.) by the Imperial Academy of Medicine by the
down to his descendants. The time when the redecoration was Emperor’s order. Over 40 imperial doctors participated in
completed was November (lunar calendar) of the 32nd year of the revision and over 10 officials transcribed, proofread, and
Guangxu (December of 1906 A.D.) illustrated the manuscript. The work was completed in the
7th year of Qianlong (1742 A.D.). “In 1742, it was published
The interior wall of the case was not redecorated. Therefore, the
based on the Wuying Juzhen Edition and Zunjingge Edition,
words on the interior wall, which kept its primary decoration
and then popularized nationwide.”[3] In 1749, it was officially
in the 9th year of Qianlong, were still the original text. On the
listed as the textbook of the Imperial Academy of Medicine.
bilateral gate flaps of the case was written in detail the record Wu Qian and Liu Yuduo chaired as the general revising
of the compilation of the series and how the contributors were officials, and Qian Doubao and others acted as the managing
awarded, both with the red seal of Emperor Qianlong’s. The and dispatching officers. There also involved the positions of
positions and names of the officials who had participated in the revisers, in‑effect deputy revisers, proofreaders, collectors,
compilation were recorded on the back wall. This bronze model transcribers, in‑effect transcribers, and supervisors from
was issued by Qian Doubao (assistant official of the Imperial Wuying Hall, with Fu Hai as the leading transcriber.
Academy of Medicine and director of the Banqueting Court)
and received by Fu Hai (right leading official and endowing On December 12 th (lunar calendar) in the 9 th year of
assistant governor with one‑grade promotion), with both their Qianlong (1744 A.D.), E’ertai and others submitted a report
signatures. Fu Hai served as the transcriber then. In addition to the emperor and asked for reward, and thus transcribers
to one‑grade promotion, he was also awarded a bronze model such as Fu Hai and other contributors were awarded. To be
with a set of the series of Golden Mirror of Medicine. The next exact, the acupuncture model was cast in the same year (1744
day, Fu Hai went to the royal court to express his gratitude A.D.) [Figure 4].
[Figure 3]. Translator: Yingshuai Duan (段英帅)
The model was placed in a rectangle brocade case in the Financial support and sponsorship
figure of an old woman, with large ears and plump earlobes, Nil.
benevolent complexion and smile, three deep wrinkles
in the forehead, uplifting mouth corners, high nose, and Conflicts of interest
crescent‑shaped eyes. The old woman’s right palm was There are no conflicts of interest.
facing forward and the left palm backward, with the two
breasts and navel sunken, the abdomen swollen and thin four References
limbs, typical of the physiological features of old women. 1. Longxiang H. Study on the bronze acupuncture models collected in the
The acupuncture models in woman figures were quite rare in State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. Chin J Med Hist 2005;2:67-
73.
history, especially when awarded to the officials. According
2. Jimin D. The story of the bronze model. Natl Med J China 1945;31:5‑6.
to the author’s research, it is the only one in this case, which 3. Jingwei  L. History of Chinese Medicine. Hainan: Hainan Publishing
is worth further study on feudal culture. On the surface of the House; 2007. p. 9.

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