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Li Fang: Taiping Guangji (Copious Records from Tai-ping) Tai-ping means Great Peace. (980)
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Taken from: Chang Hsing-long, "The Importation of Negro Slaves to China under the Tang Dynasty (A.D. 618-907)," Bulletin of the Catholic University of Peking Vol 7 (1930)
Also called Tai p'ing kuang chi/ Tai ping guang ji/ Tai Ping Guang Ji
This is a link to some other pictures of statues of Kunlun people found in graves in the Tang capital.
Tao Hsien purchases Mo-Ho
Ink sketch by Ch�en Hsu
Department of fine arts Catholic University of Peking
Beginning 20th century. I do not know in what edition this picture has been used.
Although most black slaves must have had a South East Asian origin it is impossible to say if some where not African. The Chuanqi tales are mentioned here only because so many authors decided that the black slaves in these stories must be African.
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Note on Kunlun People
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In the 3rd century ACE, the Chinese historians wrote about the sea-going vessels of the Kunlun (the Malay). The Kunlun were described as short, wooly-haired, dark-skinned people who were expert sailors. The Kunlun vessels were known as Kunlun-po with the word po being the Kunlun word for ship. The ships of the Kunlun are described as: extending to 200 feet in length and standing out of the water up to 20 feet. They were said to be able to hold from 600-700 passengers and 10,000 bushels (900 tons) of cargo. Each ship could sport up to four obliquely mounted sails.
The Periplus of the Erythraean Sea, describes ships from Chryse in the Malay Archipelago known as Kolan-diphonta or 'Kolan-ships'. The 'Kolan' here are probably the Kunlun of the Chinese annals.
They (and later the Arabs) were most probably the ones providing the Chinese with black slaves.
The oldest mentions of Kunlun people were clearly black people from South East Asia. Later a clear African element comes in; first a doubtful one but later with convincing evidence .
Examples:
Hui-lin in his Ch�ieh Ching Yin I (737-820) when talking about the Kunlun people: There are many races and varieties of them thus there are the Zangis (the single character used to write this is; seng), the Turmi, the Kurdang and the Khmer.
Tuo Tuo (1238-1298) (Sung Shi) In the second year of Tai-ping Hsing Kuo (AD 977) Arabia sent the ambassador Pu-sze-na, the vice-ambassador Mo-ho-mo (Mahmud), and the judge Pu-lo, with the products of their country as presents. Their attendants had sunken eyes and black skin and they were called Kun-lun-nu
Chou Ch'u-fei (1178) Ling-wai-tai-ta has a chapter on; Kouen-Louen ts'eng-k'i(the land of the blacks) which is undoubtedly in Africa.
At the same time the black people of South East Asia remain Kunlun too.
Slave hunting went on in South East Asia as in Africa: Duarte Barbosa (begin 16th century): Many slaves were shipped from the island of Sunda (between Bali and Timor) to China.
Right: Probably E Han 25 - 220AD . This jade artefact is in the form of a nude youth with curly hair and un-Chinese features (known in Chinese history as a "Kunlun slave", meaning a menial from the far west). The circular tray, is the oil dish of an oil lamp.
When the former Minister of State Li Teh-yu was degraded and banished to Chao-chou, his boat was damaged while passing over O-yu-t'an (the "Shallows of the Crocodiles") and many of his valued treasures, old books, and pictures fell into the waters: whereupon he bade a K'un-lun man dive into the water in search of them. The latter. however, perceiving the exceedingly large number of crocodiles that swarmed in these shallows, was afraid to make the attempt (the place being notorious as a haunt of crocodiles).
T'ai-p'ing Kuang Chi (Book CXCIV, treating of chivalrous and doughty deeds). Also found in the Ku Chin Shuo Hai, the Shuo Yuan, the T�ang Jen Shuo K'uai, the Chien Hsia Chuan, and the K'un-!un Nu Chuan.
("Record of K'un-lun Slaves): "During the Ta Li period (A.D. 766-779) of the T'ang dynasty there was a young man named Ts'ui whose father was a famous mandarin and a personal friend of the Chief Imperial Astronomer Yi P'in. When Ts'ui was a Ch'ienniu Mandarin, he visited Yi P�in who was sick. Now Ts'ui had a complexion like unto jade. He was of a calm and retiring disposition: his demeanor was placid and courteous and his accent was distinct and cultured. When he reached his destination. Yi P'in ordered a singing girl to lift the door-curtain and bid him enter. After Ts'ui had communicated the greetings of his father and paid the customary homage to his host, Yi P'in, who became charmed with the young man's appearance, invited him to sit down for a chat. In a little while three singing: girls of extraordinary beauty entered the room, the foremost carrying a golden bowl full of pink peaches, which she peeled and sprinkled with sweet milk. Yi P�in then ordered one of the girls who was dressed in a robe of red silk, to serve the peaches to his guest in a small bowl. Ts'ui, who by reason of his youth was exceedingly bashful in the presence of the girls, declined to partake of the proffered fruit. Thereupon Yi P'in ordered the girl in red to feed him with a spoon. Ts'ui was forced to yield to such insistence and the girl smiled at him on taking her departure. When Ts'ui finally took leave of his host, the latter said: 'If you can bear with the company of an old man like myself, you must by all means come again whenever you are at leisure. The girl in red was again ordered to attend on Ts'ui's departure. As he was leaving he looked back for another glimpse of the girl and saw that she held up three fingers, and that turning her hand three times she pointed to the small mirror on her breast saying: Remember. Thereupon she withdrew without further ado. Having reported the result of the visit.
Ts'ui retired to his study. During the ensuing days he was absent-minded and listless, his words were few, and his face assumed a far-off expression. For hours he would sit and brood, and he lost all appetite for food. However he then composed a poem, which runs as follows:
To the top of P'eng-lai,
'Where a jewel girl I found
With eyes like the stars;
When thru the vermillion gate half-closed
The moonlight floods her palace court.
May it cause the flower-sweet,
Snow-white maid to think of me.
All the servants were alarmed at the condition of their young master. At that time there was in the household a Kun-lun slave named Mo-leh who observed him closely and said: (What have you on your mind? Why do you act like one distraught with some great sorrow? Why not give your confidence to me, your old slave?' Ts'ui made answer: 'How could an uncouth fellow like you appreciate that which is in my heart?' 'But tell me anyway,' said Mo-leh, and I shall find a remedy for your troubles, be they present or future.' Ts'ui, greatly impressed by the assurance of the slave, made a full confession. Whereupon the latter declared: 'That is an easy matter. Why did you not tell me sooner and save yourself much worry?' When Ts'ui asked him to explain the signs made by the girl, Mo-leh replied: Why should they be hard to interpret? When she held un three fingers she meant that she dwells in the third of the ten courtyards that Yi P'in assigns to the singing girls. When she turned her hand thrice, she meant fifteen, that is, the fifteenth of the moon. By pointing to the small mirror, she meant a night when the moon is full. In other words, she wanted to make an appointment with you.'
On hearing this Ts'ui was overcome with joy and ecstasy. 'What plan,' he asked, would you suggest for attaining my heart's desire?' With a smile, Mo-leh answered: The night after next will be the fifteenth night. Pray dye two pieces of silk to a dark hue to make a vesture for Yourself. In the house of Yi P'in there is a ferocious hound that guards the entrance to the courtyards of the singing girls and is sure to kill anyone who attempts to enter. This dog is as clever a-s a demon and as fierce as a tiger; it was bred at Menghai in the district of Tsao-cbow. None in the world save myself is capable of killing this dog, and I shall kill it tonight.' After Ts'ui had feasted the slave on meat and wine, the latter departed taking with him a chain and a hammer. After the space of a meal time he returned and said: The dog is now dead, and we shall meet with no obstacle.' At midnight on the appointed date, Mo-leh bade Ts'ui don his dark attire and lifted his master over the wall, which was ten li in circumference. Thence the two made their way to the courtyards of the singing girls and stooped at the third gate, which they observed to be ajar revealing a dim light within.
When they entered they heard the singing girl sigh and noticed that she sat as though waiting for some one's arrival. Her lustrous hair was somewhat disheveled, her countenance slightly flushed, and she looked very sad and forlorn. As they watched her, they heard her sing the following lay:
'Like an oriole in some lonely vale
Seeking its mate with plaintive note,
My jewelry I cast aside and
Steathily creep �neath the blossoms:
8ut the azure cloud is wafted away
Without leaving behind any token:
Despondent I lean on my flute of jade
And envy the bliss of the Phoenix.'
possible for his master to scale the wall. 'Where is he?' she asked, and he replied: 'Standing outside.' Thereupon the girl bade Mo-leh enter and gave him wine in a golden goblet. Turning to Ts'ui the girl said: 'My home is in So-fang. I was the ward of a general who compelled me to become a singing girl. I have often wished I were dead but have never had the courage to take my own life. Though my face may seem fair and radiant, yet my heart is oppressed with heavy sorrow. Though I eat with chopsticks of jade and drink from golden goblets; though I am surrounded with magnificent screens and clothed in the finest cloth; though I sleep on a silken couch inlaid with pearls and precious stones: yet all these things, far from giving me happiness, make me feel as if I were a prisoner.
Since your noble body-servant is endowed with such extraordinary prowess, will you not easy to rescue me from this captivity? If you but harken to my prayer, I will rejoice to become your humble handmaiden and will die so with out regret. Pray suffer me to bask in the light of Your countenance' Lo I am eagerly awaiting Your reply !' "As Ts'ui stood silent and irresolute. Mo-leh spoke up. Since the lady,' said he, 'has made up her mind, it will not be hard to fulfill her wish.' The maiden was overjoyed at this reassurance. Mo-leh requested her to pack up her clothing and other gear, which he carried out in three trips. Returning from the third trip, he warned them of the approach of dawn. Then picking up both Ts'ui and the girl, he vaulted with them over the wall and ran off carrying them on his shoulders for a distance of ten li. As none of the watchmen noticed what was going on, the trio reached Ts�ui�s home in safety and there they concealed the girl. "Yi P'in's household did not become aware either of the girl�s absence or of the death of the dog until the following morning. Yi P�in was then greatly alarmed and exclaimed: The seclusion of my gates and walls has been hitherto inviolate, every means of ingress being barred by bolts and locks. The intruder would seem to have been a winged being, for he has not left behind a single trace. He must forsooth be a knight of stupendous prowess. Do not noise the matter abroad. lest perchance we incur some further misfortune.' After the girl had lived in seclusion with Ts'ui for the space of two years, she ventured forth in blossom-time riding on a cart to Ch'u-chiang. There she was recognized by one of Yi P'in's servants who duly reported the matter to his master. Yi P'in in his surprise summoned Ts'ui and questioned him closely. Ts'ui in his fright made a full confession, describing Mo-leh's part in the affair. Yi P'in said: The girl has indeed been guilty of a great offense. Inasmuch, however, as she has lived with you for more than a year. I will overlook the matter; But touching the complicity of Mo-leh, I must needs put an end to him; for he is a public menace.' Whereupon Yi P'in ordered fifty mail-clad soldiers, all armed to the teeth. to surround Ts'ui's house for the purpose of capturing: Mo-leh. Whereat the latter, snatching up a dagger, vaulted over the wall, seeming to his Pursuers like some, winged being endowed with the speed of an eagle. They let fly at him a veritable shower of arrows but none of these could reach him. An instant later he completely vanished from view. This feat not only astounded Ts'ui but terrified Yi P'in as well. causing the later to rue bitterly the rash step he had taken. Thenceforth Yi P'in was wont, when he retired at night, to surround himself with a guard of servants armed with swords and spears. And he continued this practice for a whole year before he finally gave it up. After an interval of more than ten years one of Ts'ui's servants, on a visit to Loyang:, saw Mo-leh selling medicinal herbs in the market-place. Time had not availed to change his appearance in the least."
T'ao Hsien was a descendant of T'ao Yuan Ming (a famous scholar of the Chin dynasty), the magistrate of P'eng-tseh (in Kiangsu). During the T'ai Yuan: period (A.D. 713-741) he lived at K�un-shan (in Kiangsu). He owned vast lands and rich merchandise. Having set over his affairs and possessions an honest and capable servant, he himself left home to wander about the country and was not infrequently absent for periods covering several years. He did not even know the names of his grown up sons and grandsons. So great was his scholarship that he might have been a mandarin of the highest rank, but he never sought political preferment, alleging that he was too careless and irresponsible for such a calling. He was also an accomplished musician and had an exceedingly sensitive ear. Those who knew of his gift tested it by means of tiles the date of whose baking they had recorded. When such tiles were struck, he was able to tell their exact age from the sound given forth. Moreover, he was the author of a treatise on music. He personally designed three boats of great beauty and exquisite workmanship. One of them was for his own use, another for that of his guests, while the third served as a floating pavilion for social gatherings. Among his guests were the Doctors of Literature, Meng Yen-shen and Meng Yu-ch'ing, and the commoner Chiao Sui, together with their respective wives and servants. T'ao Hsien had a chorus of singing girls who were very talented in music. So manned, his three boats visited various parts of the country to take in the scenery. Such trips were made mostly in spring-time. Since the name of T'ao Hsien was known at the Imperial Court and the times in question were peaceful, he was welcomed by the officials of all the cities that he visited. But he generally declined their hospitality saying: I am a simple rustic and quite unworthy to be the guest of princes and nobles.' Occasionally, however, he would stop where he was not invited. The people of Wu (S. Kansu) and Yueh (N. Chekiang) called him a water-genius because water-genii are believed to have no fixed abode and are wont to inhabit any stream or mountain. Having a relative who was then the magistrate of Nanhai (Canton), T�ao went thither to visit him. This magistrate was so flattered by the visit of one who had come from such a great distance that he gave T'ao a million cash. With this sum the latter bought an antique sword which was two feet in length, a jade bracelet four inches in diameter, and a Kun-lun slave named Mo-ho, who had belonged to a trading vessel and who was an expert as well as daring swimmer. These possessions,' said T'ao, will become heirlooms in my family.' "On his return journey T'ao Hsien entered the Peh River (Peh-kiang) by way of Pai-cheh. As the water was remarkably clear, he dropped the sword and the bracelet into its limpid depths, ordering Mo-ho to dive for them. As this sport gave him a delightful thrill, he repeated it on many occasions in the course of ensuing years. Once as he was sailing on Lake Ts'ao (Ts'ao Hu in Anhui), he again dropped into the water the sword and bracelet, and ordered Mo-ho to dive for them. In the twinkling of an eye the slave reappeared from the depths holding aloft the sword and bracelet, but he informed his master that he had been bitten by a poisonous snake and obliged in consequence to cut off his finger in order to save his life. On hearing this Chiao Sui said: Mo-ho has been very, likely wounded by some spirit of the deep; for those who dwell in the waters do not tolerate the inquisitiveness of men. Whereupon T'ao Hsien replied: I respectfully bow to your judgment, but I must needs own a certain admiration for the sentiment of Hsieh K'an-loh who said: Even death shall not avail to rob me of my joy in the scenery; I suit my own pleasure forgetful of all else. To sojourn in inns and taverns, to be borne to all places, to be attired in the clothes of a commoner, to enjoy the companionship of cultured fellow-travelers, and to have roamed about for thirty years according to the dictates of my fancy: such is my destiny. But to ascend the jade staircase (i.e. to become a mandarin of high rank), to have audiences with the Emperor, to render signal service, to be rewarded with high honors, and to see the fulfillment of every ambition: that is not the supreme goal to which I aspire.' Thereupon he ordered his boats to weigh anchor saying: 'Let us pay a visit to Hsiang-yang Shan before returning to the capital of Wu (Soochow).' When they reached Hsi-seh Shan, they cast anchor before a Buddhist temple called Chi-hsiang. Observing that the waters were dark and stagnant T'ao exclaimed: 'Verily some monster must lurk in these depths !' Whereupon he again threw in the sword and the bracelet bidding Mo-ho dive for them. The latter having vanished beneath the waves did not reappear for a long time. When he rose again he was gasping like one in the throes of death, and coming on board was too weak to stand on his feet. He reported his experience as follows: I was not able to recover the sword and the bracelet because they had chanced to fall at the feet of a gigantic dragon twenty feet in height. Whenever I attempted to draw nigh to the sword and bracelet, the dragon gave me an angry scow..' T'ao replied: 'Yourself, the sword, and the bracelet are my three treasures. Now that two of them are lost, of what use are you to me? Do your utmost, therefore, to recover them.' Having no alternative but to dive once more, Mo-ho unbound his hair, uttered a fearful yell, and with tears of blood exuding from his eyes plunged headlong into the waters, never to reappear. After a long while fragments of his body floated up to the surface, a mute reproach, as it were, to T'ao. At this sight the latter began to weep bitter tears and gave orders to sail home forthwith. From that time on he ceased to roam about the country and staid at home instead, devoting his time to writing poetry. One of his poems is quoted below:
'Who was there to watch with heedful care over my home and estate ?
Serene is the life at my new abode ensconced in the Land of Wu-yueh,
Yet not till my hair had turned to gray did I find its peace again.
Descrying the hills in the distance blue I reckon the miles to my home.
The stork shakes the leaves on the maple bough as sinketh the sun at even;
The crane stands erect 'mid the flowering reeds while sparkle the waters of autumn.
To what shall I turn for solace then, now that my boats I've abandoned?
'Wine banners and fans of the singing girls, these shall welcome me!�
