Arranged Companions: Marriage and Intimacy in Qing China

Arranged marriages have adapted to changing cultural norms and the lived experiences of men and women, with marital affection celebrated as a basic ingredient of an ideal marriage. Arranged Companions by historian Weijing Lu chronicles how marital behaviors during the early and High Qing were informed by rich and complex traditions and mediated by the historical conditions of the period. It offers surprising revelations about conjugal relations and raises provocative questions about the cultural construction of intimacy and the meaning of a "happy marriage."

Format: Hardback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 22 July 2021
Publisher: University of Washington Press

Arranged marriages, often linked to patriarchal oppression, have undergone significant transformations over centuries in response to evolving cultural norms and the diverse experiences of men and women. In her book, Arranged Companions, historian Weijing Lu delves into the intricate tapestry of marital behaviors during the early and High Qing (mid-seventeenth to mid-nineteenth centuries). Lu explores how these behaviors were shaped by rich traditions and the historical context of the period, where marital affection was esteemed as a vital component of an ideal marriage.

Through a meticulous examination of personal records such as poetry, biographies, letters, and memoirs, Lu uncovers a vibrant public representation and private communication of marital affection. During this remarkable historical moment, ideals of marital companionship and love flourished, while social changes also brought forth new challenges for couples and extended families. Arranged Companions offers insightful revelations about conjugal relations during this transformative era, raising provocative questions about the cultural construction of intimacy and the notion of a "happy marriage."

This book sheds light on the complex interplay between tradition, social dynamics, and individual experiences, providing a fresh perspective on the history of arranged marriages and their enduring impact on Chinese society.

Weight: 522g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780295749112