Quick Answer: Who Is Shi Jin?
Shi Jin (史进, Shǐ Jìn) is an early central figure in Water Margin (水浒传, Shuǐhǔ Zhuàn). His tattoos give him the nickname Nine Tattooed Dragons (九纹龙, Jiǔwénlóng). He studies with Wang Jin (王进, Wáng Jìn) and becomes associated with the outlaws of Mount Shaohua (少华山, Shàohuá Shān).[1]
- He is ranked twenty-third at Liangshan (梁山, Liángshān).[4]
- Lu Zhishen later proposes inviting him and his companions to join the stronghold.[3]
- Japanese artists use his nickname in prints of different subjects.[5][6]
Look for the earlier chapters when reading about his teacher or the origins of his nickname.
Two people named Jin meet at a household in Chapter 2. One is an instructor on the run. The other is a young man whose dragon tattoos have already given him a nickname. Keeping their surnames straight makes the opening of Shi Jin’s story easier to follow.
Shi Jin’s Teacher and the Mount Shaohua Outlaws
Wang Jin and his mother find shelter at the Shi household. Wang demonstrates the gap between Shi’s confidence and his skill. Shi becomes his pupil and studies with him until Wang leaves.[1]
When Chen Da of Mount Shaohua comes into conflict with Shi, the encounter ends with Chen in Shi’s custody. Chen’s companions Zhu Wu and Yang Chun put themselves at Shi’s mercy too. Shi releases them. He comes to entertain the three, and the connection eventually draws officials to his home. The young man’s loyalties have reached beyond the household.[1]
From a Local Connection to Liangshan
Shi leaves home and looks for his teacher. He meets Lu Da, who later takes the monastic name Lu Zhishen.[2] In Chapter 58, Lu remembers Shi’s help at a temple and asks Song Jiang about inviting him and the other three from Mount Shaohua. An acquaintance formed early in the novel becomes a connection between groups.[3]
The roster of the 108 Liangshan heroes places Shi twenty-third, within the first group of 36. It still identifies him by the dragon nickname he had at home.[4]
Two Ways Japanese Prints Use Shi Jin
Utagawa Kuniyoshi pairs Shi Jin and Chen Da in a print catalogued by the Smithsonian. Both are characters from the novel. Utagawa Kunisada’s 1854 print in the Met pairs the idea of Shi Jin with a different subject: a Kabuki actor in the role of Nozarashi Gosuke. The museum’s phrase “likened to” tells the viewer how the novel enters that image.[5][6]
FAQs About Shi Jin
Why is Shi Jin called Nine Tattooed Dragons?
The nickname refers to the nine dragon designs on his body.[1]
Are Wang Jin and Shi Jin the same person?
Wang Jin is the instructor. Shi Jin is his pupil.[1]
What is Shi Jin’s rank among the Liangshan heroes?
He is twenty-third in Chapter 71 of the 120-chapter version.[4]
資料來源
[1] Water Margin. Chapter 2, 120-chapter text
[2] Water Margin. Chapter 3, 120-chapter text
[3] Water Margin. Chapter 58, 120-chapter text
[4] Water Margin. Chapter 71, 120-chapter text
[5] Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art. Shi Jin and Chen Da, by Utagawa Kuniyoshi
[6] The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Nozarashi Gosuke likened to Shi Jin, by Utagawa Kunisada