Chinese classic without reading aids; book without reading aids
Refers to a Chinese classic or book that lacks kunten (reading marks) or other annotations to aid Japanese readers. Contrasts with 点本 (てんぼん), a book with such aids. Used in academic or bibliographic contexts.
Antonyms: 点本
This unannotated Chinese classic has no reading marks at all.
By comparing unannotated and annotated editions, we can understand how they were read at the time.
annotated book with reading aids
Compound of 無 (mu, 'without') + 点 (ten, 'marks, points') + 本 (hon, 'book'). The term refers to books without kunten (reading marks) used to aid Japanese readers of Chinese classics.