China Releases Databases of Ancient Manuscripts

The National Rare Ancient Book Directory's Knowledge Base compiles the catalogs of the ancient books included in the directory, together with many pictures and captions.

on Feb 21, 2023

On Wednesday, two databases for the distribution and study of ancient books were made available at the National Library of China in Beijing, enhancing the usage of cultural resources with cutting-edge technology.

The Yongle Canon HD Images Database and the Knowledge Base of the National Rare Ancient Book Directory are now freely available to the public for reference after being jointly established by the National Library of China and the Research Center for Digital Humanities of Peking University.

The renowned ancient book "Yongle Dadian," commissioned by Emperor Yongle in 1403, is the subject of the Yongle Canon HD Images Database, which aims to promote its professional study and general distribution.

According to Wei Chong, director of the National Library of China Publishing House, the database uses high-definition photos, GIS, and three-dimensional restoration techniques to portray the binding and layout of the book and the locations of the existing volumes.

The National Rare Ancient Book Directory's Knowledge Base compiles the catalogs of the ancient books included in the directory, together with many pictures and captions.

Readers may get a greater idea of the geographic distribution of the old books and the intricate relationships between characters by using the knowledge base's visual display of the catalogs using digital technologies, such as mapping knowledge domains and GIS methods.