Lu Ban is a revered figure in Chinese mythology, known for his skills as a carpenter, inventor, and engineer. He is considered the patron deity of builders and contractors, and his legacy continues to inspire artisans and craftsmen to this day. The name “Lu Ban” is derived from his birthplace, the State of Lu, and he is also known as Gongshu Ban or Kungshu Phan.
According to legend, Lu Ban was born into a family of carpenters and quickly showed a natural talent for the craft. He went on to invent a number of tools and techniques that revolutionized the field of construction, including the dovetail joint and the square. His work was so influential that he is still revered as one of the greatest carpenters in Chinese history. Lu Ban’s legacy is also reflected in the numerous temples and shrines dedicated to him throughout China, where he is worshipped as a god of craftsmanship and ingenuity.
Lu Ban’s family tree is shrouded in mystery, but he is believed to have had several children who went on to become skilled carpenters in their own right. His descendants are said to have continued his legacy, passing down his techniques and teachings from generation to generation. Today, Lu Ban is celebrated not only in China but also around the world, as a symbol of creativity, innovation, and the power of human ingenuity.
Overview
Lu Ban is a legendary figure in Chinese mythology and history. He is widely regarded as the patron saint of carpenters and builders in China. Lu Ban’s name is derived from the Chinese characters “鲁班,” which translate to “Master Lu.”
Lu Ban’s legacy is celebrated for his exceptional skills in carpentry and engineering. He is known for his innovative designs and inventions, which have influenced Chinese architecture and construction to this day. His influence has also extended beyond China, with many of his designs and techniques being adopted by other cultures around the world.
According to legend, Lu Ban was born in the state of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period and lived during the Warring States period. He was a skilled carpenter and engineer who designed and built many structures and machines, including bridges, water wheels, and siege weapons. Lu Ban’s family tree is not well-documented, but he is believed to have had a wife and several children.
Lu Ban’s contributions to Chinese culture have been recognized through various honors and awards, including the “Lu Ban Award,” which is given to outstanding builders and engineers in China. His legacy continues to inspire and influence architects, builders, and engineers around the world.
Etymology
Lu Ban (鲁班) is a legendary figure in Chinese culture, known as the patron god of builders. The name “Lu Ban” is derived from his birthplace, the state of Lu (鲁) in ancient China, and his personal name, Ban (班). He is also known as Gongshu Ban (工师班), which means “master craftsman Ban”.
The name “Lu Ban” has become synonymous with craftsmanship and construction, and is often used to refer to skilled builders and carpenters in China. According to legend, Lu Ban was a skilled carpenter and inventor who lived during the Spring and Autumn period (771–476 BC).
Lu Ban’s legacy has been passed down through the generations, and his influence can still be seen in modern Chinese architecture and construction. His name has also become a symbol of excellence and innovation in Chinese culture, inspiring generations of craftsmen and builders to strive for perfection in their work.
Lu Ban’s contributions to Chinese culture have earned him a place in the pantheon of Chinese gods and goddesses, and his legend continues to inspire and fascinate people around the world.
Attributes
Skills
Lu Ban was known for his exceptional skills in carpentry, architecture, and engineering. He was a master craftsman who could create intricate designs and structures with ease. He was also an expert in mathematics and geometry, which he used to create precise and accurate plans for his projects. His skills were highly sought after by emperors and rulers, who commissioned him to build palaces, temples, and other important structures.
Inventions
Lu Ban was also known for his innovative inventions, which revolutionized the fields of warfare and transportation. He invented the Cloud Ladder, a mobile device used in siege warfare that allowed armies to scale fortifications more surely than standard ladders but with greater ease than bulky siege towers. For naval warfare, he invented the grappling hook and the ram, which were used to capture enemy ships and to break through their defenses.
Lu Ban’s other inventions included the wooden horse, which was used to transport goods and people over long distances, and the wooden ox, which was used to plow fields and to transport heavy loads. He also invented various tools and machines, such as the saw, the chisel, and the plane, which are still in use today.
Overall, Lu Ban’s skills and inventions had a significant impact on Chinese civilization and continue to influence the world of engineering and architecture to this day.
Family Tree
Ancestors
Lu Ban’s ancestry is not well-documented, but he is believed to have descended from the legendary Yellow Emperor, who is considered the ancestor of the Chinese people. According to Chinese mythology, the Yellow Emperor was the first emperor of China and ruled from 2697 to 2597 BC. He is credited with many inventions and innovations, including the calendar, writing, and the compass.
Descendants
Lu Ban had several children, including a son named Lu Ban Jr. who followed in his father’s footsteps and became a renowned carpenter and inventor. Lu Ban Jr. is credited with inventing several new carpentry techniques and tools, including the dovetail joint and the mortise and tenon joint.
Lu Ban’s descendants continued his legacy of craftsmanship and innovation, and many of them became famous carpenters and builders in their own right. Some of Lu Ban’s most famous descendants include Lu Banwu, who was the chief architect of the Forbidden City in Beijing, and Lu Banxian, who designed and built the famous Jade Belt Bridge in Beijing’s Summer Palace.
Lu Ban’s family tree is a testament to the enduring legacy of his ingenuity and skill, and his descendants continue to inspire future generations of builders and inventors.
Mythology
Legends
Lu Ban is a legendary figure in Chinese mythology and is often considered the patron saint of carpenters and builders. According to legend, Lu Ban was born in the state of Lu during the Spring and Autumn period. He was a skilled carpenter and inventor who was credited with inventing many tools and devices that were used in construction and engineering.
One of the most famous legends associated with Lu Ban is the story of how he built a wooden bird that could fly. The bird was so lifelike that it fooled real birds, and Lu Ban was hailed as a genius. Another legend tells of how Lu Ban built a boat that could withstand the strongest winds and waves.
Cultural Impact
Lu Ban’s influence can still be seen in modern-day China, where he is considered a symbol of craftsmanship and ingenuity. Many Chinese carpenters and builders still follow the principles and techniques that Lu Ban developed centuries ago.
In addition to his influence on the construction industry, Lu Ban is also revered as a god in Chinese folk religion. He is often depicted as a wise and benevolent figure who helps and protects those who work with their hands.
Overall, Lu Ban’s legacy as a master carpenter and inventor has had a lasting impact on Chinese culture and continues to inspire craftsmen and builders around the world.