The “Wu Yao” Phenomenon in Ancient China

Abstract

The social phenomenon in which people excessively pursue novel and luxurious items in defiance of sumptuary laws and use high-level and prohibited items is known as “Wu Yao”. This study examines the development of Wu Yao phenomena from the Han Dynasty to the Ming Dynasty. It focuses on the long-suppressed material desires of common people, the control of mass consumption by the emperors, and the phenomena of the masses violating sumptuary laws. The thesis analyses the roles of different classes in luxury consumption and the changes in class structure under the commodity economy. It particularly investigates the literati group, exploring their shift in mindset from being pioneers against material desires to becoming advocates of luxury consumption. In the thesis, the vulnerability of the elite group in imperial China is explained. It summarizes the social power structure of imperial China based on rituals and cultural patterns and examines the impact of materialism on the hierarchy.

This thesis presents a comprehensive overview of traditional Chinese material culture by discussing the commodity economy, luxury consumption and artworks within the context of Wu Yao. It explores the secularization of culture and art, as well as the impact of the commodity economy in the late period of imperial China. In addition to portraying the prosperity of materialism, the study delves into the hidden crime problems during the Ming Dynasty, particularly the rise in female crimes. The research analyzes the phenomena of Wu Yao across various regions of imperial China, including local agriculture, industry, commerce, and handicrafts. It examines the level of residents’ consumption and discusses regional consumption differences in imperial China.