Scents of China: A Modern History of Smell

Xuelei Huang's book explores the diverse range of smells that permeated Chinese life from the High Qing to the Mao period, using interdisciplinary methodology and critically engaging with scholarship in sensory and smell studies. It introduces readers to the smellscapes of China through unexplored archival materials, such as perfumes, food, body odors, public health projects, consumerism, and cosmetics, and examines how the experience of scent and modernity have intertwined.

Format: Hardback
Length: 309 pages
Publication date: 31 July 2023
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

In this captivating and groundbreaking exploration of recent Chinese history, Xuelei Huang delves into the diverse array of scents that permeated Chinese society from the High Qing to the Mao period. Through a multidisciplinary approach, she critically engages with scholarship in the emerging fields of sensory and smell studies, revealing how this period of tumultuous change in China was experienced through the body and the senses. By drawing on previously unexplored archival materials, readers are transported to the fragrant landscapes of China from the eighteenth to mid-twentieth century, encompassing perfumes, food, body odours, public health initiatives, consumerism, and cosmetics. This pioneering and evocative study takes the reader on a sensory journey through modern Chinese history, examining the intricate interplay between the experience of scent and modernity.

Perfumes played a significant role in shaping the olfactory experiences of Chinese individuals during this period. From the opulent and intricate scents of High Qing courtesan culture to the more utilitarian and medicinal fragrances used in public health projects, perfumes were used to convey social status, gender roles, and personal hygiene. The use of spices and herbs in Chinese cuisine also contributed to the rich and complex smellscapes of the time, with dishes like hot pot and stir-fries incorporating a multitude of aromatic ingredients.

Body odours, too, played a crucial role in shaping the sensory experiences of Chinese people. The prevalence of sweating and body odour due to the hot and humid climate in China led to the development of various hygiene practices and products, such as bathing, deodorants, and perfumes. The use of certain scents, such as jasmine and lavender, was believed to have medicinal properties and were often used in aromatherapy and massage therapies.

Public health projects also played a significant role in shaping the smellscapes of China. The introduction of Western medicine and public health practices in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries led to the implementation of sanitation projects, such as the construction of public toilets and the promotion of handwashing. These projects not only improved public health but also introduced new smells to Chinese society, such as the pungent scent of disinfectants and the clean, refreshing aroma of soap.

Consumerism and advertising also played a role in shaping the smellscapes of China. The rise of consumer culture in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries led to the introduction of new products and brands, which often had distinctive and memorable scents. Advertisements for these products often used sensory marketing techniques, such as appealing to the sense of smell, to create a strong brand identity and increase sales.

Travel literature, fiction, and political language also contributed to the sensory experiences of Chinese people during this period. Travel writers and authors often described the smells and sights of different regions of China, providing readers with a vivid sense of place and culture. Fiction and political language, too, were often infused with sensory imagery and metaphors, creating a rich and evocative literary landscape.

In conclusion, Xuelei Huang's pioneering and evocative study of the smellscapes of modern Chinese history offers a unique and insightful perspective on this period of tumultuous change. By critically engaging with scholarship in the fields of sensory and smell studies, she demonstrates how the experience of scent and modernity have intertwined in complex and fascinating ways. Through the exploration of perfumes, food, body odours, public health initiatives, consumerism, and cosmetics, readers are transported to the fragrant landscapes of China from the eighteenth to mid-twentieth century, gaining a deeper understanding of the ways in which scent has shaped the cultural and social experiences of Chinese individuals. This study is a valuable contribution to the field of Chinese history and sensory studies, and will be of interest to scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 662g
Dimension: 162 x 238 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009207041