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A book that solves the puzzle of a fusion confusion

By Liu Jun (China Daily)
Updated: 2009-06-30 10:03

Why do most Chinese families use hot-water thermoses painted with peony flowers? What can you do with a long bamboo stick, which has one end shaped like a small hand?

Why does a luxurious housing estate in Beijing have a grand front gate, modeled on Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, but contain modern-style buildings? Why would anyone want to live in miniature European castles that also have four upturned eaves, the type seen in Chinese temples?

For any curious visitor who asks these questions, Chinese Stuff and Chinese Houses, published recently by the China Intercontinental Press offers the answers.

Compiled by Popcorn, a small creative team headed by Professor Wu Xuefu with the Communications University of China, the two books in both Chinese and English are part of a series that aim at raising awareness about the "Chinese element". Majoring in art and advertising, Wu is fascinated by details of everyday life that he says "shed light on the unique aesthetic views of modern Chinese".

The thermos bottle, for instance, is not just a utensil that contains hot water Chinese people love so much. The huge blossoming red peony flowers on its cover also display the nation's obsession with auspicious symbols. The peony represents good fortune and high official ranking.

A pair of mandarin ducks (yuanyang) can always be found on the quilt cover given to the bride by her mother, which is a wish that the newly weds will live together happily ever after.

As for the bamboo stick, it is nicknamed "ask no one for help" (bu qiu ren), because you can easily scratch your own back when it itches.

Such interesting little things found in a common Chinese household provide glimpses of a particular focus Chinese have regarding a quality of life.

When entering a modern Chinese office, one might be puzzled at the crimson banner on the wall featuring golden characters.

It is a common way of expressing gratitude and many different set phrases are passed down through generations to suit different occasions.

Wu says this is a classic case of the social-political tradition becoming "habitual" and producing items which are closely intertwined in daily life.

Compared with Chinese Stuff, Chinese Houses is weightier, though it carries plentiful illustrations with humorous captions.

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