The essays address several common themes. First, they rethink previous notions of imperial isolation, instead stressing the court's myriad ties both to local Beijing society and to the empire as a whole. Second, the court was far from monolithic or static. Palace women, monks, craftsmen, educators, moralists, warriors, eunuchs, foreign envoys, and others strove to advance their interests and forge advantageous relations with the emperor and one another. Finally, these case studies illustrate the importance of individual agency. The founder's legacy may have formed the warp of court practices and tastes, but the weft varied considerably. Reflecting the complexity of the court, the essays represent a variety of perspectives and disciplines--from intellectual, cultural, military, and political to art history and musicology.
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The essays address several common themes. First, they rethink previous notions of imperial isolation, instead stressing the court's myriad ties both to local Beijing society and to the empire as a whole. Second, the court was far from monolithic or static. Palace women, monks, craftsmen, educators, moralists, warriors, eunuchs, foreign envoys, and others strove to advance their interests and forge advantageous relations with the emperor and one another. Finally, these case studies illustrate the importance of individual agency. The founder's legacy may have formed the warp of court practices and tastes, but the weft varied considerably. Reflecting the complexity of the court, the essays represent a variety of perspectives and disciplines--from intellectual, cultural, military, and political to art history and musicology.
Imprint | Harvard University Asia Center |
Country of origin | United States |
Series | Harvard East Asian Monographs |
Release date | July 2008 |
Availability | Expected to ship within 12 - 17 working days |
First published | July 2008 |
Editors | David M. Robinson |
Contributors | Dora C. Y. Ching, Chu Hung-Iam, Scarlett Jang, Joseph S.C. Lam, Julia K. Murray, Kenneth M. Swope |
Dimensions | 235 x 156 x 31mm (L x W x T) |
Format | Hardcover |
Pages | 475 |
ISBN-13 | 978-0-674-02823-4 |
Barcode | 9780674028234 |
Categories | |
LSN | 0-674-02823-6 |