2011-11-16

The Míng Dynasty

Today's featured article on Wikipedia is their outstanding piece on the Míng dynasty. The Míng dynasty was the time period during which most knight-errant novels were written, as well as the 'default setting' for many Chinese tales, legends, etc. Even stories set in other (earlier) time periods frequently make reference to Míng clothing, customs, armour, military tactics, martial arts, etc. Robert van Gulik certainly did so (on purpose) in his Judgee Dee stories.
Also, many instantly recognisable Chinese artefacts date from the Míng: the Great Wall of China, porcelain vases, much art...
Wikipedia's article on the Míng dynasty is hence recommended reading for all Celestial Empire game masters.