Abstract
Purpose : This paper explores the extent to which ZangFu diagrams made after Northern Song Dynasty were influenced by ZangFu diagrams made before Northern Song Dynasty, and how diagrams of the whole body and heart originated from MingTangZangFuTu and affected each other when quoted in books published after Northern Song Dynasty. Method : The author used four form factors including heart shape, internal curved lines, cylinder-like structures above heart, and wuzangxi (五臟系) which resembles a lotus flower which has not yet bloomed, to analyze and compare different ZangFu diagrams before and after the Northern Song Dynasty. Results : Two form factors, the shape of heart and wuzangxi, are described in ZangFu diagrams before Northern Song, and may have influenced ZangFu diagrams after Northern Song. However, the other two form factors (internal curved lines and cylinder-like structures above the heart) did not influence ZangFu diagrams after Northern Song. All form factors of heart found in WuCangLiuFuZhiTu (within the whole body) and diagram of heart in ZhenJiuJuYing (鍼灸聚英) were most similar, but the two paintings became less similar as they were cited in several books. With the exception of the form factor with structures above heart, the three other form factors are almost identical between two paintings produced after Northern Song dynasty, as displayed in the same book. Conclusion : ZangFu diagrams of the heart produced after Northern Song Dynasty, were not completely based on ZangFu diagrams made before Northern Song Dynasty. Diagrams of whole body and those of the heart were changed, while influencing each other after Northern Song.
