Certificates and Licenses Through the Centuries - A Picture of Chinese Life on Old Paper

Author: Xu Shanbin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: This book vividly portrays the history of China over the past century through a variety of historical certificates from various aspects of Chinese social life since the late Qing Dynasty. The author is a folk collector who has spent over a decade collecting nearly 3,000 historical certificates. The book selects over 300 pieces of historical fragments that have never been included in official history, covering ten aspects of civilian life such as marriage certificates, diplomas, concubine sale contracts, teacher certificates, the life of courtesans, opium and foot-binding, special lottery tickets, admission tickets, invitations, transportation licenses, and communication certificates. These certificates, each one painstakingly sought by the collector, include many rare and unique pieces, each with its own special historical background and unique cultural significance. They bear witness to the absurdities of China's century-long history, able to show the bigger picture through small details and vividly bring history to life. Arranged in chronological order, these certificates form a unique and vivid history of modern Chinese life. The author introduces the historical context in which these certificates were created, interprets the historical life they carry, their own characteristics, and the stories behind them, making for an engaging read.