Art by Literati: Calligraphic Carving in Middle Qing China - Hardcover
by Hye-Shim Yi (Author)
Art by Literati examines the integration of calligraphic inscription into the cultural practices of the literati in late eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century China. Traditionally, inscriptions were created through collaboration between a literatus-calligrapher and an artisan-carver. However, during the Qing dynasty, literati began to take on the role of carvers themselves, challenging the conventional separation between intellectual and manual labor. This book explores how the literati's involvement in inscription carving blurred the cultural and social boundaries between them and artisans, who were becoming increasingly well-educated. Through an analysis of intellectual, aesthetic, and practical aspects of this practice, Art by Literati reveals the complex dynamics of literati and artisanal identities, emphasizing the situational and fluid nature of these roles. The collaborative production of inscribed artifacts serves as a key focus, illustrating how individuals navigated and merged the traditionally distinct domains of literati and artisans. This study highlights the futility of rigidly classifying individuals as either literati or artisans and instead offers a nuanced understanding of their interconnected roles in the cultural landscape of Qing China.
*Art by Literati has been awarded the Millard Meiss Publication Fund of CAA and includes color illustrations.
This book is part of the Cambria Sinophone World Series.
Details
This product is crafted with quality materials to ensure durability and performance. Designed with your convenience in mind, it seamlessly fits into your everyday life.
Shipping & Returns
We strive to process and ship all orders in a timely manner, working diligently to ensure that your items are on their way to you as soon as possible.
We are committed to ensuring a positive shopping experience for all our customers. If for any reason you wish to return an item, we invite you to reach out to our team for assistance, and we will evaluate every return request with care and consideration.