An Object of Seduction: Chinese Silk in the Early Modern Transpacific Trade, 1500-1700

In 1573, 712 bales of Chinese silk arrived in New Spain, marking the final formation of the global circulation network. Xiaolin Duan's book explores how the demand for silk led to the development of silk fashion and sericulture in China and New Spain, creating conflicts on imperial regulations and hierarchical systems.

Format: Hardback
Length: 230 pages
Publication date: 07 February 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

In 1573, a remarkable shipment of 712 bales of Chinese silk arrived in New Spain, carried by two Manila galleons. This significant event marked the final establishment of the global circulation network, reflecting the flourishing trans-Pacific silk trade. An Object of Seduction, the first comprehensive English-language study dedicated to the early modern export of Chinese silk to New Spain from the sixteenth to the seventeenth century, delves into the intricate interplay between sericulture development, the widespread dissemination of silk fashion, and government efforts to regulate its use. Xiaolin Duan, the author, argues that the growing demand for silk on a worldwide scale not only fostered the parallel growth of silk fashion and sericulture in China and New Spain but also sparked conflicts regarding imperial regulations on foreign trade and hierarchical systems.

To explore this captivating period, An Object of Seduction relies on a wealth of evidence sourced from local gazetteers, correspondence, manual books, illustrated treatises, and miscellanies. Through meticulous analysis, the book uncovers how the increasing desire for and production of raw silk and silk textiles empowered individuals and societies to assert and redefine their positions in ever-changing time and space, challenging the traditional state control.

This study sheds light on the complex dynamics that shaped the early modern world, highlighting the interconnectedness of different regions and the impact of trade on social, economic, and cultural developments. It provides valuable insights into the role of silk in shaping identities, power relations, and the broader trajectory of global history.

In conclusion, An Object of Seduction is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the trans-Pacific silk trade and its profound implications for the formation of the global circulation network. Through meticulous research and engaging analysis, it sheds light on the complex interplay between fashion, trade, and power, providing a valuable contribution to the study of early modern history and global interconnectedness.

Weight: 544g
Dimension: 228 x 160 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793614902