《巩昌分属图说》再探

The ‘Gongchang Military Defense Circuits' Maps Reconsidered

《巩昌分属图说》是一套彩绘的传统山水画的图说,是研究明代西北边防的重要图籍。图说绘制于万历二十四年,正是明军在西北边疆从防御转向反攻的一年,绘制内容则是巩昌兵备道。巩昌兵备道处于防御蒙古南下的靖虏兵粮道与防御番部北上的临巩兵备道结合部,承载着将西北边疆所需粮茶的西运使命,该图说所绘制的内容反映了绘制者安不忘危与重视边备的思想。

The 'Gongchang Military Defense Circuits' Maps(Gongchang Fenshu Tushuo) include twelve ones in colors,which are the important historical documents and relics on the northwest frontiers in the Ming dynasty.The maps illustrating the military defense circuits in Gongchang prefecture were completed in year 24 of Emperor Wanli's(万历) regime when the Ming army went over from defensive to counter-offensive strategy.The Gongchang military defense circuit was on the mission of transporting grain and tea supplies to the northwest border areas owing to its critical position linking the Jinglu Military Defense and Tax Intendant Circuit that guarded against the Mongolian's aggressing from the north and the Lingong Military Defense Circuit that prevented any attacks from the southern minority areas.The mapmaker's philosophy is reflected who is mindful of possible danger in time of peace and attaches much importance to the frontier defense.