A Study of Chinese Artifacts (Another Work)--A Collection of Japanese Sinological Writings on China

Author: (Japanese) Masakazu Aoki, translated by Fan Jianming
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Features: "A Study of Chinese Name-Objects" [An External Work] is one of the books in the series "Essays on Sinology in Japan." The author, Masakazu Aoki, is a renowned Japanese sinologist of the modern era. Some of his works on Chinese literature have had significant influence in Japan and hold a certain position in the Chinese academic community. "A Study of Chinese Name-Objects" [An External Work] includes two manuscripts, "A Study of Chinese Name-Objects" and "Tastes of the Chinese Realm," neither of which has been published in China. These two manuscripts belong to the field of folk customs and name-object studies. "A Study of Chinese Name-Objects" collects Aoki's essays and discussions on name-objects published between 1943 and 1958, covering a wide range of topics from the names of plants and trees to the names of ceremonial items. Speaking of which, the study of name-objects has a long history in China, traceable to the exegetical studies of the Han Dynasty, evolving through the nominal studies of the Ming Dynasty, and finally developing into the textual-critical name-object studies of the Qing Dynasty. However, in Japan, name-object studies had previously merely followed those of China, lacking independent development. Aoki introduced the methods of modern textual criticism, which, while also a form of textual criticism, differed from the Qing Dynasty's approach, thereby opening the way to a new era of name-object studies. In the introductory "Preface to the Study of Name-Objects," he reveals the purpose and direction of the study of name-objects in our country. "Tastes of the Chinese Realm" focuses on introducing Chinese-style cuisine. Moreover, these two manuscripts are permeated with various aspects of Chinese culture and traditions, possessing profound cultural depth.