Certificates and Licenses for a Century — A Picture of Chinese Life on Old Paper

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Features: If his collection of conference tickets, obituaries, invitations, tickets, notices, diplomas, marriage certificates, licenses, etc., are arranged in chronological order, they form a history of modern China. He is the one who "writes" Chinese history with these certificates. The headline of a report about him by the Beijing Youth Daily is "Buying Historical Fragments for 100,000," and these "fragments" include many rare and unique items, allowing us to see the bigger picture and the "true face" of history. — Li Zhensheng (Photographer, Journalism Professor)
The numerous bizarre certificates featured in the book give a sense of "familiarity," as they witness the absurdity and reality of Chinese history. — Mo Luo (Scholar, Cultural Critic)
He has over 2,000 "old paper fragments," covering almost the entire modern history from the late Qing Dynasty to the Cultural Revolution. He studies these "quasi-artifacts" as "spiritual fossils," immersing himself in them every day, enjoying the sensation of time reversal and listening to the true footsteps of history. — Sina News Culture Channel
The certificates in his possession—such as diplomas, marriage certificates, appointment notices, parental notification letters, etc.—can serve as a magnifying glass for the public to look back at the recent history that has just passed. More than a hundred years of modern Chinese history come alive through his collection and narration. — Beijing Youth Daily
This book brings to life a century of Chinese history through the diverse certificates from various aspects of social life in China since the late Qing Dynasty. The author is a grassroots collector of "historical fragments," who has spent over a decade collecting nearly 3,000 historical certificates. The book selects over 300 pieces of historical fragments never included in official records, covering ten aspects of national life, such as marriage certificates, diplomas, concubine sale contracts, teacher certificates, the life of courtesans, opium and foot-binding, special lottery tickets, event tickets, invitations, traffic licenses, and communication certificates. Each certificate is a treasure painstakingly sought by the collector, including many rare and unique items, each with its own special historical background and unique cultural significance. They witness the absurdity of a century of Chinese history, allowing us to see the bigger picture and 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 behind these certificates in a light and engaging manner, interpreting the historical life they carry, their own characteristics, and the stories behind them, making for a highly enjoyable read.