Superfluous Things: Material Culture and Social Status in Early Modern China

by Craig Clunas

Book Overview

Now in paperback

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...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0824828208
• ISBN13: 9780824828202
• Release Date: May 2004
• Publisher: University of Hawaii Press
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.80 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.2" x 9.0"