技能을 넘어선 神妙함 ― 『舊唐書』 「方伎傳」 譯註 ―

Abstract

The “fangji(方技)” or the “method and technique” had been regarded as an occult and esoteric practice which had been handed down through the relationship between the master and disciple, and also known, understood, or appreciated by only a small number of people. Although the pre-modern Chinese social perceptions of the “fangji” people was quite low, their “method and technique” was essential for both the ordinary people and the state. Since they predominantly influenced over the lay people, in addition, the Chinese courts had tried to bring them under control and keep detailed records of them. The early records of “fangji” show us that it was originated from the ancient sharman’s divination and the sorcery. Even though there was no significant change in the nature of the “fangji”, the states’ attitudes toward it had been evidently transformed during the medieval Chinese period. For instance, they ardently tried to bring the “fangji” into the regulatory state system with granting official titles and government positions. The main part of this article is the annotated translation of the Jiu Tangshu(舊唐書) Fangji zhuan(方伎傳). Through the annotated translation, this research will mainly try to figure out the detailed characteristics of the Chinese method and technique or “fangji.” It will also contribute to establish the cause why the ancient Chinese governments and literati put the various “methods and techniques” with heterogeneous features together into one category.