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Treatise on Superfluous Things

By Wen Zhenheng
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Brief Description
The first complete English translation of a classic late Ming Chinese treatise on good taste. Written in the 17th Century by Chinese scholar Wen Zhenheng, Treatise on Superfluous Things offers a compelling glimpse into the tastes and cultural values of the educated elite in late Ming... Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2800
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The first complete English translation of a classic late Ming Chinese treatise on good taste.

Written in the 17th Century by Chinese scholar Wen Zhenheng, Treatise on Superfluous Things offers a compelling glimpse into the tastes and cultural values of the educated elite in late Ming China. This guide to everyday items—from window frames and old master paintings to caged birds, fruits, and vegetables—is the most complete surviving account of the material and cultural tastes of the era in one of China's largest and richest cities. It is also a guide to finding joy, pleasure, and harmony in the objects all around us every day.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241799857

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 27 August 2026

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Contributors:

  • Translated by Tony Blishen
  • Foreword by Craig Clunas

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 12.0mm

Width: 128.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 146g

Pages: 192

Collections

Arts & Culture Asian History Classic Fiction Education & Reference History & Archaeology History & Military Non-Fiction Penguin Books Penguin Classics Pre-order Books Pre-orders Pre-orders by Release Date Wen Zhenheng

About the Author

Wen Zhenheng (Author) Wen Zhenheng (1585-1645) was a bibliophile and expert in garden design who excelled in poetry, prose, and painting. He was the great-grandson of noted Ming Dynasty painter, calligrapher, and literary figure Wen Zhengming (1470-1559).

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