Networks of Touch: A Tactile History of Chinese Art, 1790–1840

In early nineteenth-century China, artists among China's educated elites used touch to forge a more authentic relationship to the past, challenge stagnant artistic canons, and foster deeper human connections. This sensory turn led to the "epigraphic aesthetic" in late eighteenth- and early nineteenth-century artwork, which challenged the dominance of brushwork as the bearer of artistic authority. Networks of Touch explores this artistic network of Ruan Yuan (1764–1849), a scholar-official whose patronage supported a generation of artists and learned people who prioritized epigraphic research as a means of truing the warped contours of Confucian heritage. Rubbings, a reduplicative technology, empowered artists and scholars to transcend traditional conventions and explore new mediums, uniting previously separate image-making practices while engaging audiences through the senses.

Format: Hardback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 29 February 2024
Publisher: Pennsylvania State University Press

In the early 19th century, a remarkable transformation occurred in the art world of China. Artists among the educated elites embraced touch as a means to forge a more authentic connection to the past, challenge stagnant artistic conventions, and foster deeper human connections. This sensory turn is explored in depth in Michael J. Hatch's book, Networks of Touch.

Ruan Yuan (1764–1849), a scholar-official whose patronage supported a generation of artists and learned individuals, played a significant role in this artistic network. These artists and scholars prioritized epigraphic research as a way to rectify the distorted contours of Confucian heritage. Their work resulted in the emergence of an "epigraphic aesthetic" in late 18th- and early 19th-century artwork.

Rubbings, a reduplicative technology, emerged as a powerful tool that challenged the dominance of brushwork as the sole bearer of artistic authority. While brushwork represented the artist's physical presence through ink and paper, rubbings were direct facsimiles of tactile experiences with objects. This shift empowered artists and scholars to transcend traditional conventions and explore new mediums, uniting previously separate image-making practices while engaging audiences through the senses.

Centering on touch and offering a fresh perspective on early 19th-century literati art in China, Networks of Touch sheds light on a period often perceived as lacking innovation. It challenges the notion of optical realisms' supremacy in shaping the sensory experience of the modern Chinese viewer. By delving into the artistic network of Ruan Yuan and the epigraphic aesthetic, this book provides valuable insights into the rich and complex artistic landscape of 19th-century China.

Weight: 567g
Dimension: 254 x 178 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780271095578