San Francisco Public Library

The elegant Life of the Chinese literati, from the Chinese classic, Treatise on Superfluous Things : finding harmony and joy in everyday objects, by Wen Zhenheng ; translated by Tony Blishen ; with a foreword by Craig Clunas

eng

Includes bibliographical references and index

illustrations

index present

non fiction

The elegant Life of the Chinese literati

bibliography

1107125794

by Wen Zhenheng ; translated by Tony Blishen ; with a foreword by Craig Clunas

from the Chinese classic, Treatise on Superfluous Things : finding harmony and joy in everyday objects

"This is the first complete translation of the early 17th century Chinese scholar Wen Zhenheng's guide to good taste in late Ming Dynasty China. This translation now presents the entirety of Wen's Treatise on Superfluous Things, his description of how the gentleman-scholar can order his establishment so as to achieve harmony and elegance. Wen covers almost every aspect of the physical and intellectual life of the Chinese literati class both inside and outside the home, from flowers and plants, the building of ponds and pavilions to the choice of furniture and fittings and the hanging of pictures and calligraphy. The whole amounts to a view of the sophistication of Chinese culture as the Ming dynasty approached its end. The text is accompanied by carefully chosen illustrations that provide a physical and historical context to the many artefacts mentioned in the text, they also convey a sense of the fabric of the daily life of a privileged class and of the economy that sustained it. This book will interest the general reader as much as the specialist. There are hints for the gardener as well as information for the collector. At the same time, its approach to our relationship with the natural world reflects present-day concerns." --, From publisher's description

Studios and Retreats -- Flowers and Trees -- Water and Rocks -- Birds and Fish -- Calligraphy and Painting -- Tables and Couches -- Vessels and Utensils -- Dress and Ornaments -- Boats and Carriages -- Placing and Arrangement -- Fruit and Vegetables -- Incense and Tea

Treatise on superfluous things