The Golden Peaches of Samarkand: A Study of T'ang Exotics
Edward H. Schafer
ISBN 10: 0520054628 ISBN 13: 9780520054622
Published by University of California Press, 1985
Used
Paperback
From
Half Price Books Inc., Dallas, TX, U.S.A.
Seller rating 5 out of 5 stars
AbeBooks Seller since September 15, 2017
This specific item is no longer available.
About this Item
Description:
Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority! Seller Inventory # S_471819617
Synopsis:
In the seventh century the kingdom of Samarkand sent formal gifts of fancy yellow peaches, large as goose eggs and with a color like gold, to the Chinese court at Ch'ang-an. What kind of fruit these golden peaches really were cannot now be guessed, but they have the glamour of mystery, and they symbolize all the exotic things longed for, and unknown things hoped for, by the people of the T'ang empire.
This book examines the exotics imported into China during the T'ang Dynasty (A.D. 618-907), and depicts their influence on Chinese life. Into the land during the three centuries of T'ang came the natives of almost every nation of Asia, all bringing exotic wares either as gifts or as goods to be sold. Ivory, rare woods, drugs, diamonds, magicians, dancing girls―the author covers all classes of unusual imports, their places of origin, their lore, their effort on costume, dwellings, diet, and on painting, sculpture, music, and poetry.
This book is not a statistical record of commercial imports and medieval trade, but rather a "humanistic essay, however material its subject matter."
From the Back Cover: In the seventh century the kingdom of Samarkand sent formal gifts of fancy yellow peaches, large as goose eggs and with a color like gold, to the Chinese court at Ch'ang-an. What kind of fruit these golden peaches really were cannot now be guessed, but they have the glamour of mystery, and they symbolize all the exotic things longed for, and unknown things hoped for, by the people of the T'ang Empire. This book examines the exotics imported into China during the T'ang Dynasty, and depicts their influence on Chinese life. This book is not a statistical record of commercial imports and medieval trade, but rather a 'humanistic essay, however material its subject matter.'
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Bibliographic Details
Title: The Golden Peaches of Samarkand: A Study of ...
Publisher: University of California Press
Publication Date: 1985
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Very Good