This outstanding and original book, presented here with a new preface, examines the history of material culture in early modern China. Craig Clunas analyzes "superfluous things"-the paintings, calligraphy, bronzes, ceramics, carved jade, and other objects owned by the elites of Ming China-and describes contemporary attitudes to them. He informs his discussions with reference to both socio-cultural theory and current debates on eighteenth-century England concerning luxury, conspicuous consumption, and the growth of the consumer society.
- ISBN13 9780824859015
- Publish Date 1 June 2016 (first published 28 November 1991)
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country US
- Imprint University of Hawai'i Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 246
- Language English