cosmopolitan east asia

[clay dube]

Here's where we can discuss Yang Ye's materials and ideas.

[Anonymous]

This is not a discussion about Yang Ye's materials but it seemed like an appropriate place to discuss a few highlights from the group of booklets we received from the Taiwanese Cultural Commission.

Finally having the time to read from the huge "read it when I have time" pile, I took the evening to read through the group of booklets on topics ranging from Embroidery, Folk Prints, Cloisonee (art of enamel application), Chinese Opera, Puppetry, Architecture, etc. From the twentysome booklets, I have selected three to highlight.

Chop Engraving is a stamp -- like the ones we saw on the slides shown of the artwork that each new Emperor stamped w/ their own chop. What was new for me was the extremely important role chops play in the life of a Chinese. In fact, after signing your name, for a document to be legally binding, your chop (stamp) is required. "In China, from ancient times to the present, from official government business to private affairs, no matter how important or trivial, your chop affixes your credit and your promise".

Food -- everyone has eaten Chinese food, but do we know the differences in the vast nation? I certainly did not so this simply guide highlighted some basics. Chinese food can be divided into northern and southern styles. North has more oil and flavors of vinegar and garlic; noodles and other flour based treats make the bulk of the dishes. The South produces the popular "Szechwan" style with chili peppers -- an emphasis on freshness and tenderness; rice is key to these dishes.

Kung Fu is much more complex than I had imagined. "[T]here are over 100 different styles of Chinese boxing alone". This is likely due to the fact that each of the many Chinese kung fu schools have their own set of movements and equipment. There is a distinction b/w internal and external kung fu. Internal training focuses on the mind, inner organs and increased circulation of ones "ch'i, or flow of life energy". External training is on muscles, skin, and bones. And the older one is, the better one becomes at kung fu. All physical education classes require a unit of kung fu in China & Taiwan. It is a key component of the culture and like their food, exported worldwide.

I highly recommend that you find these booklets and brouse through them -- they are highly readable and interesting. It provided a quick overview of the culture and the historical perspective that has influenced these modern day cultural features.

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