明代晷漏测影文献的整理与探析

Collation and Analysis of the Literature on Sundials, Water Clocks and Sun-Shadow Observation in the Ming Dynasty

摘要: 日影观测是中国古代天文历法的核心内容，具有天文、礼制等多重属性。本文以明代文人著述为研究对象，通过梳理中国基本古籍库中晷、漏等测影计时仪器类相关文献，整理出文献作者群体与文献类型，并探讨测影计时仪器的技术演进、明代五轮沙漏的创新价值、谯楼晷漏的建置沿革及礼制内涵以及田漏等民间测影器具的实用形态。测影计时仪器在文人创作中是时光变迁的意象，是天人合一宇宙观等人文内涵的载体。文献不仅传承了古代的测影技术和知识，更重要的是反映出中国古代天文观测技术与礼制建构、民生活动、文人思想的深度融合。

Abstract: Sun-shadow observation was a core component of ancient Chinese astronomy and calendar system, featuring multiple attributes including astronomical significance and social order. Taking scholarly writings of the Ming Dynasty as its research subject, this paper combs relevant documents on sun-shadow observation and time-keeping instruments such as sundials and water clocks from the Chinese Basic Ancient Books Database, categorizes their authorship and textual types, and explores the technological evolution of sun-shadow observation and time-keeping instruments, the innovative value of the five-wheel sand clocks in the Ming Dynasty, the evolution of the construction and institutional-cultural connotations of bell towers, as well as the practical forms of folk shadow-measuring and time-keeping devices such as field clepsydras. Sun-shadow observation and time-keeping instruments appear in literati works as an image of the passage of time, and serve as a carrier of humanistic connotations such as the cosmic view of the unity of Heaven and humanity. These documents preserve ancient sun-shadow observation techniques and knowledge, reflecting the profound integration of ancient Chinese astronomical observation technology with order construction, people’s livelihood activities, and literati thought.