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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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Releases 5th January 2027 (Approx. Date) Pre-order  "Treatise on Superfluous Things" now to secure your copy from our first shipment

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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 itemsβ€”from window frames and old master paintings to caged birds, fruits, and vegetablesβ€”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 Penguin Classics: Arts & Culture 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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