A large, complex organization composed of appointed officials

Chinese method of diplomacy that required payment of tribute to the Chinese emperor from non-Chinese subordinates

In feudal Japan, a noble similar to a duke; military commanders that often enacted more power than the emperor

Chinese dynasty (1368-1644) financed voyages of Zhenghe

Chinese dynasty (1279-1368) established by Mongols under Kublai Khan leadership

Korean dynasty

founder of the first Japanese shogunate (Kamakura)

Chinese Muslim who was a naval explorer in the Indian Ocean

Chinese patriarchal practice that restricted women's movement

Buddhism sect that focused on reverence for Buddha and for Bodhisattvas

philosophy that emerged in Song dynasty China; religious syncretism with Buddhist and Daoist elements

In Confucian thought, one of the virtues to be cultivated; a love and respect for one's parents and ancestors

1,100-mile waterway linking norther and southern China

code of conduct for samurais during feudal Japan