The Imperial Patronage of Labor Genre Paintings in Eighteenth-Century China

This book explores the agrarian labor genre paintings commissioned by Chinese emperors, analyzing their imagery and historical context. It argues that these paintings were not just didactic but also served to promote the dynasty and the well-being of the people. It includes English translations of the poems and other documents, making it of interest to scholars in various fields.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the realm of agrarian labor genre paintings, drawing inspiration from the renowned Pictures of Tilling and Weaving commissioned by successive Chinese emperors. It goes beyond a mere examination of these artworks, exploring their imagery and the accompanying poems within their historical context. Through meticulous analysis, the author sheds light on how these paintings contributed to the distinctively cosmopolitan Qing imagery, which drew upon European visual styles.

Roslyn Lee Hammers argues that technologically-informed imagery in these paintings was not solely meant to impart practical knowledge to viewers, such as growing rice or producing silk. Rather, the Qing emperors invested in these paintings to assert the permanence of their dynasty and to ensure the well-being of the people under Manchu governance. The book includes English translations of the poems from the Pictures of Tilling and Weaving, as well as other relevant documents that have not been previously translated.

This comprehensive work will appeal to scholars engaged in art history, Chinese history, Chinese studies, history of science and technology, book history, labor history, and Qing history. It offers a rich tapestry of insights into the cultural, social, and political dynamics of the Qing era, providing a deeper understanding of the role of art in shaping the empire's identity.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367699994