Networks of Faith and Profit: Monks, Merchants, and Exchanges between China and Japan, 839–1403 CE

— —

Yiwen Li (City University of Hong Kong)

Networks of Faith and Profit

Monks, Merchants, and Exchanges between China and Japan, 839–1403 CE

Yiwen Li (City University of Hong Kong)

$160.95

Hardback

Not in-store but you can order this
How long will it take?

Availability Information

We source books from suppliers in Australia and overseas. For books we don't currently have in stock, the time it takes to get them from our suppliers can vary widely - from a few days to a few months - so we check each book with each supplier to determine the expected time it will take to be supplied to us.

We then advise you accordingly. If the time taken to get any book is too long for you, you can let us know and we will cancel or adjust your order, and refund as required.

To find out the anticipated arrival time for specific items prior to ordering, please contact us by phone or email:

Phone +61 2 9264 3111, or 1800 4 BOOKS (1800 4 26657) if outside Sydney:
option 1 Abbey's Bookshop (Crime, History, Science, Kids & more) • info@abbeys.com.au
option 2 Language Book Centre (ESL & Foreign Languages) • language@abbeys.com.au
option 3 Galaxy Bookshop (Sci-fi, Fantasy, Romance, Graphic Novels) • sf@galaxybooks.com.au

QTY:

English

Cambridge University Press
08 June 2023

Early history: c 500 to c 1450&1500; Maritime history; Buddhism; International relations; International trade

Series: Asian Connections

Between 839 and 1403 CE, there was a six-century lapse in diplomatic relations between present-day China and Japan. This hiatus in what is known as the tribute system has led to an assumption that there was little contact between the two countries in this period. Yiwen Li debunks this assumption, arguing instead that a vibrant Sino-Japanese trade network flourished in this period as Buddhist monks and merchants fostered connections across maritime East Asia. Based on a close examination of sources in multiple languages, including poems and letters, transmitted images and objects, and archaeological discoveries, Li presents a vivid and dynamic picture of the East Asian maritime world. She shows how this Buddhist trade network operated outside of the framework of the tribute system and, through novel interpretations of Buddhist records, provides a new understanding of the relationship between Buddhism and commerce.

By: Yiwen Li (City University of Hong Kong)
Imprint: Cambridge University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 229mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 14mm
Weight: 491g
ISBN: 9781009303101
ISBN 10: 1009303104
Series: Asian Connections
Pages: 245
Publication Date: 08 June 2023
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Hardback
Publisher's Status: Active

Yiwen Li teaches history and cultural heritage at City University of Hong Kong.

Reviews for Networks of Faith and Profit: Monks, Merchants, and Exchanges between China and Japan, 839–1403 CE

'A fascinating study of how politics, religion, and economic developments were intertwined in ancient and medieval Japan and China. Through skilful analysis of texts and archaeological discoveries, Networks of Faith and Profit reveals the importance of monks and monasteries in Sino-Japanese exchanges. Highly recommended.' Thomas D. Conlan, Princeton University 'By shedding light on the networks of Buddhist monks and merchants who nourished vital connections between China and Japan while the two countries suspended diplomatic relations, Li's book offers a novel contribution to topical issues in pre-modern world history: the synergy and rivalry between religious and commercial elites and between state-sponsored and informal trading organizations.' Francesca Trivellato, Institute for Advanced Study, Princeton University 'In this path breaking study of Sino-Japanese maritime encounters from the ninth to the fifteenth century, Li Yiwen utilizes both Chinese and Japanese archival sources to illustrate how the intersection of Buddhist faith and commercial profit inspired private networks of monks and merchants who conveyed goods, ideas, and information between the continent and the archipelago.' Richard von Glahn, University of California, Los Angeles