英文摘要 |
Objects reveal a lot about themselves and others. They are accumulations of historical memories; at the same time, they also form a medium of cross-cultural conversations. Through the depictions of their forms and their visual representations, we get to see their 「being」 in history as well as in the society. In this paper, we examine the local narratives and foreign imaginations presented in Wu Za Zu, a book by Zhau-zhi Xie in Late Ming Dynasty, by probing about the selection, qualities, functions, locations, and human-object relationships of the chosen objects. In addition, we attempt to analyze the (differences and contrasts displayed in the) descriptions, assessments of the chosen objects and discuss the cultural connotations entailed in paying tribute and granting gifts. Finally, we attempt an analysis of the aesthetic and originality of the texts by looking at the significance of the chosen objects that appear in these texts. |