Research On The Jiangnan Literati’s Study In The Middle And Late Ming Dynasty

Study, known as a typical cultural image with multiple functions (namely residence, composition and sociality), has played a vital role in the system of traditional ancient Chinese culture. The history of China has seen the great significance of study, especially for those literati who laid much importance on knowledge and books. According to existing historical materials, study was initiated in Western Han Dynasty by YANG Xiong’s XUAN ZHAI, and gained relatively booming throughout Sui, Tang and Song Dynasty. The ancient Chinese culture reached an highly developed and mature phase in Ming Dynasty, leading to a fact that most literati managed to have their own studies then. With a loosening control from the central government in middle and late Ming Dynasty, Jiangnan (south of the lower reaches of the Yangtze River) achieved remarkable prosperity as the national center of culture and economy. The flourish of commodity economy, together with the corruption spreading in the government, have dramatically changed the values of the literati. The position of study was highlighted and thus acted as a way for the literati to get rid of the dilemma trapped in ideals and realities. Therefore, study became an open space in which the literati would hopefully find their life goals and realize their wishes of a peaceful and harmonious co-existence in match with the environment and furnishings of the study.This paper can be divided into five parts, designed to present the arguments in four aspects. The introduction is an overall review and comprehensive analysis of the research status, among which the author tries to testify the value of this argument. The main body of the paper is arranged by an approach of four dimensions:firstly, analyzing the supportive background of the prosperity of study by looking into the flourish of economy of Jiangnan, the fertile soil of the cultural environment, the upheaval of the social value and the shrink of the space for literati; secondly, restoring the poetic and mysterious structure of study, including the internal layout, the integrated plan and the echo to its surroundings; thirdly, revealing the meaning and beauty of various items in the study, tasting the very essence and the humanity flavor of the literati; last but not least, declaring the unique image of the study standing in the perspective of the literati——their beloved study has always been a cherished multi-functional cultural space deep in their spirits.