At a glance
- Object
- Dwellings and household space
Definition and scope
Yang residences usually means inhabited dwellings, contrasted with graves. Earlier texts can use yin and yang residence categories through their own orientation rules, so later definitions should not be imposed everywhere. Residential discussion can concern courtyards, gates, walls, hearths and drains. Establish period, vocabulary and building scale first.
Structure and details
The House Classic addresses residence size, occupants, repairs and moving directions alongside enclosure and water. Plans should label functions, routes and orientation. Distinguish facilities actually mentioned in a source from modern analogies; a contemporary kitchen appliance cannot be presented as if an old text discussed it directly.
Example and history
The historical editorial preface questions the Yellow Emperor attribution. This distinguishes legendary authority from a demonstrable date of composition. A courtyard plan can map gate, principal rooms and hearth for comparison with one selected source. Different household conventions can be documented without declaring that another family’s layout causes disaster.
Contexts and limits
Residential traditions reveal ideals and household customs without validating effects on lifespan, relationships or income. Layout choices require attention to light, thermal comfort, hygiene, care and evacuation. Shared spaces call for negotiation. Historical assumptions about status or gender should be examined rather than converted into rules about who deserves particular rooms.
References & further reading
Historical sources document ideas and rules of their time, not empirical proof of predictive accuracy. Source notes identify the nature and scope of each reference.
- 宅經／卷上Primary / tradition source
Primary evidence for residential orientation and construction beliefs, not proof of predicted outcomes.
- 宅經（四庫全書本）提要Primary / tradition source
The historical editorial preface questions the Yellow Emperor attribution.