MING: 50 YEARS THAT CHANGED CHINA

MING: 50 YEARS THAT CHANGED CHINA

General Overview

  • This book is published to accompany the exhibition at the British Museum from 18 September 2014 to 5 January 2015.

    • The exhibition features principal Chinese contributions.

    • Research was supported by the Arts and Humanities Research Council.

  • Names of institutions and designations in the exhibited materials have no other significance as per international copyright law. The naming and mapping do not imply endorsement by the British Museum.

  • The book includes various authors:

    • Text written by Jessica Harrison-Hall

    • Captions by The Trustees of the British Museum

    • Contributors: Craig Clunas, David Robinson, Marsha Haufler, Timothy Brook.

  • The British Museum Press published this work in 2014. The ISBN for the cased book is 978 0 7141 2477 3, and for the paperback version, it is 978 0 7141 2484 1.

Contents Introduction

  • Forewords

  • Acknowledgements

  • Map

  • Chronology

  1. A Second Founding: Ming China 1400-1450 - Craig Clunas

  2. Courts: Palaces, People, and Objects - Jessica Harrison-Hall

  3. Wu: The Arts of War - David Robinson

  4. Wen: The Arts of Peace - Craig Clunas

  5. Beliefs: Miracles and Salvation - Marsha Haufler

  6. Commerce: The Ming in the World - Timothy Brook

  • Notes

  • Bibliography

  • Index

Chapter Outline: A Second Founding: Ming China 1400-1450 by Craig Clunas

  • No location rivals Nanjing for its impressive capital site, yet Beijing surpasses it in defensibility.

    • Quoting Yang Rong (1371-1440) - “No place is superior to Nanjing as an imposing and beautiful capital site….”

  • A Day in Early Ming:

    • The anecdote of Xie Dingzhu, a twelve-year-old boy, who bravely defended his mother from a tiger in Shanxi province.

    • In 1414, this act was celebrated by Yongle Emperor, who rewarded him with gifts including paper banknotes and rice, emphasizing Confucian values.

    • The story reflects the values of filial piety upheld through Confucianism in Ming society.

    • The narrative illustrates the bureaucratic reach of the Ming, connecting remote events to imperial recognition.

  • Analysis of the Story:

    • Importance of filial duty as a high virtue in the ethical structure of Confucianism.

    • The story represents the ordinary peasant life rarely documented in history.

    • Cultural and administrative control highlighted by the reaction to events in rural areas.

    • The rareness of women's names being recorded compared to men reinforces societal norms.

  • Historical Context of the Ming Dynasty:

    • The Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), founded by Zhu Yuanzhang (Hongwu Emperor), originates from long struggles against Mongols.

    • The title ‘Ming’ connoting brightness or luminosity reflects a shift from earlier dynastic naming conventions, setting a precedent in Chinese history.

    • Historical significance: Contrast between Ming and Yuan naming conventions highlighted.

  • Chinese Rulers:

    • Explanation of naming emperors like Zhu Di, the Yongle Emperor, and how personal names noted taboo among subjects.

    • Naming structure set by Ming Dynasty emphasizes the intersection of military heroism and Confucian norms.

  • Reign Titles:

    • Reign titles serve as critical identifiers marking the chronology of imperial rule.

    • First Ming reign title, Hongwu, reflects military success against Mongols, while Jianwen speaks to cultural consolidation.

  • Yongle Reign:

    • Discuss the Yongle Era (1403-1424) and significant events like Xie Dingzhu’s bravery and tiger attacks integrating the populace’s reality with imperial observances.

    • The Yongle emperor’s assertive campaigns against the Mongol remnants reflecting an active military leadership style replaced post-1449 era.

  • Ming Society and Military Leadership:

    • Discuss the tragic Battle of Tumu Fort (1449) capturing Queen Zhu Qizhen marking a turning point in leadership strategy.

    • Military history highlighting the Yongle emperor’s triumph juxtaposed with subsequent trauma lead to changes in military policy - a significant case study of Ming governance.

  • Ming Capital Transition:

    • Analysis of the move of the capital from Nanjing to Beijing, revealing both political rationale and resistance.

    • Detailed plans from 1404 through 1421 including population shifts and military constructions.

    • Cultural propaganda asserting legitimacy in the relocation to reinforce imperial power.

  • Economic Influence:

    • Description of economic mechanisms including agglomeration along the Grand Canal as vital in supporting the stronger capital through agrarian surplus from the south.

    • Flourishing of trade: The intertwining nature of trade practices paving a commercial expansion throughout Sino-Mongolian landscapes and beyond.

  • Technological Innovations:

    • Recognition of broader cultural exchanges through artifacts reflecting high craftsmanship from textiles to ceramics translating into global trade implications.

Conclusion of the Chapter

  • The transition of power and rich historical emphases within the Ming Dynasty captures an intricate tapestry of society, culture, governance, and economy during the formative period of 1400-1450.

    • This context ties back to the plethora of artifacts and artworks exemplifying an era commemorated at the exhibition, encapsulating the grandeur of Ming Civilization.

Figures and Illustrations

  • References to numerous historical artworks that elucidate contexts discussed, e.g., Tiger paintings, imperial portraits, and significant cultural artifacts housed within the Palace Museum.