The moment you open the book, you are standing at the entrance to the historic, mysterious world of the oriental arts. On the journey you will encounter numerous pieces of art in China: blue-and-white porcelain, the world-famous chinaware; the folding fan, with a history of 1,600 years; the classical screen, one of the most typical Chinese furniture pieces in ancient times; and the traditional Chinese painting with a freehand style. Color them with pencils or watercolors, and you will find you are re-establishing your view of art towards the East.
In Re-enchanting Modernity Mayfair Yang examines the resurgence of religious and ritual life after decades of enforced secularization in the coastal area of Wenzhou, China. Drawing on twenty-five years of ethnographic fieldwork, Yang shows how the local practices of popular religion, Daoism, and Buddhism are based in community-oriented grassroots organizations that create spaces for relative local autonomy and self-governance. Central to Wenzhou's religious civil society is what Yang calls a "ritual economy," in which an ethos of generosity is expressed through donations to temples, clerics, ritual events, and charities in exchange for spiritual gain. With these investments in transcendent realms, Yang adopts Georges Bataille's notion of "ritual expenditures" to challenge the idea that rural Wenzhou's economic development can be described in terms of Max Weber's notion of a "Protestant Ethic". Instead, Yang suggests that Wenzhou's ritual economy forges an alternate path to capitalist modernity.
Fearless heroes, feisty princesses, sly magicians, terrifying dragons, talking foxes and miniature dogs. They all feature in this enthralling compendium of Chinese fairy tales and legends, along with an array of equally colourful characters and captivating plots. Although largely unknown in the West, the 70-plus stories in this volume are just as beguiling as the more familiar Grimms' Fairy Tales or Arabian Nights. They were collected in the early 20th century by Richard Wilhelm and first translated into English by Frederick H Martens. This beautifully produced revised and edited new edition includes updated notes which not only provide background on the tales, but also offer a fascinating insight into ancient Chinese folk lore and culture. These are stories to return to time and time again. From awesome adventures to quirky allegories, from the exploits of the gods to fables about beggars who outwit their betters, Chinese Fairy Tales and Legends is extraordinarily diverse and endlessly engaging. These wonderful stories have enduring and universal appeal, and will intrigue both children and adults.
Chinese tales are a part of China's rich culture and their enduring legacy can be traced back centuries. Stories from China include explanations of nature, moral lessons, and adventure stories. The rich tapestry of Chinese stories can't be ignored, especially as these tales still captivate today. Chinese folktales, fairy tales, myths, and stories are brimming with wisdom and lessons. The stories have been passed down through generations for years and are still powerful representations of their culture. Fairytalez is delighted to share a collection of Chinese fairy tales, folk tales, myths, and legends. Discover why these stories have endured for thousands of years with this exciting collection.
"NameSculpt" is not just a book; it's an odyssey into the enchanting realm of baby names, carefully curated to inspire and assist parents in choosing the perfect moniker for their little ones. This comprehensive guide transcends the conventional, offering a symphony of names that weave together the threads of tradition, culture, and contemporary flair. Dive into a collection that goes beyond mere alphabetical listings, exploring the historical, cultural, and linguistic tapestry of names from around the globe. Whether you're drawn to the elegance of classic names or the allure of avant-garde choices inspired by literature and pop culture, "NameSculpt" unveils a rich spectrum of options to suit every taste and preference. Guided by principles that celebrate cultural significance, personal values, and enduring appeal, this book is a roadmap for parents navigating the labyrinth of baby naming. From timeless classics to unique and unconventional gems, "NameSculpt" is a treasure trove, promising to transform the seemingly daunting task of naming into a joyous celebration of identity, heritage, and the boundless possibilities encapsulated in a single, magical word. Let the journey begin.
This volume represents the latest research in cultural anthropology on an ascendant and globalizing China, covering the many different dimensions of China’s ascendancy both within China itself and beyond. It focuses not only on the real and perceived successes of China in the past four decades, but also on the difficulties, tensions, and dangers that have emerged as a result of rapid economic development: class polarization, state expansion, psychological distress, and environmental degradation. Including contributions by some of the most well-known cultural anthropologists of China, as well as rising innovative younger scholars, this book documents and analyzes China’s multifaceted transformations in the modern era—both within Chinese society and in Chinese relations with the outside world. It features the unique perspective of anthropology, with its on-the-ground deep cultural immersion through long-term fieldwork, coupled with a macrolevel global perspective, a strong historical perspective, and theoretically engaged analyses to present a balanced account of China’s ascendancy. Anthropology of Ascendant China: Histories, Attainments, and Tribulations is suitable for students and scholars in Anthropology, Sociology, History, Political Science, and East Asian Studies, as well as those working on contemporary Chinese society and culture more broadly.
This study is about Disney, malls, cruise lines, Las Vegas, the World Wide Web, Planet Hollywood, credit cards, and all other ways we now consume. It discusses the fundamental change that our society has undergone because of the way and the level at which we consume.
One of America's most successful real estate brokers comes to the rescue with a home-buying guide based on decades of experience in helping people find the perfect homes to fit their needs and budgets. Charts, checklists, and sample contracts demystify the home-buying process, while sidebars offer real-life anecdotes. 20 illustrations.
Enchanted Revolution moves religion and gender to center stage in the Chinese Communist revolution, examining the mobilizational dynamics of anti-superstition propaganda in support of the Communist Party's rise from rural backwaters to national dominance. Xiaofei Kang argues that religion was not merely adversary for the revolutionaries-it also served as a model for the ways in which the Party mobilized support and constructed legitimacy. In this parallel and often paradoxical process, the Party attacked "superstitions" that had long supported the foundations of Chinese religious life. At the same time, Party propaganda co-opted these same religious resources for its own political ends. Kang demonstrates that the persuasive power of Party propaganda relied heavily on recasting the cosmic forces of yin and yang that sustained the traditional gender hierarchy and ritual order. Moreover, revolutionary art and literature revamped old narratives of female ghosts and ritual exorcism to inject the people with a new masculinist vision of the Party-state endowed with both scientific potency and the heavenly mandate. Gendered language and symbolism in Chinese religion thus remained central to inspiring pathos, ethos, and logos for the revolution. Enchanted Revolution sheds light on the contemporary significance of the Maoist legacy in China through a deft exploration of the complex interplay of religion, gender, and revolution.
This beautiful Children's Book is illustrated with beautiful watercolour art and features words using alteration to encourage your children's imagination and ignite their passion for learning. Featuring 26 unique illustrations and measuring 8.5 x 11 inches with a matt softcover finish this is the perfect Christmas, Birthday, Christening or Baby Shower gift. Gift the little loves in your lives this beautiful keepsake book.
