Object of Seduction

An Object of Seduction explores the early modern trans-Pacific export of Chinese silk to New Spain. It argues that the increasing demand for silk contributed to the parallel development of silk fashion and sericulture in China and New Spain, and also created conflicts on imperial regulations about foreign trade and hierarchical systems.

Xiaolin Duan

Chapter One: Production: The Development of Sericulture and Interacting with the Natural Environment Chapter Two: Trade: Negotiations Between Central Governments and Local Societies Chapter Three: Fashion: The Desire for Luxury Silk, the Color Red, and Foreignness Chapter Four: Regulation: Sumptuary Laws and the Decline of the Traditional Authorities