Author
Ki-tong Tcheng
1851-1907
Ki-tong Tcheng (1851-1907) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaBooks by Ki-tong Tcheng
Chin-Chin; Or, The Chinaman at Home
"Chin-Chin; Or, The Chinaman at Home" by Ki-tong Tcheng is an anthropological work written in the late 19th century. The book provides an in-depth exploration of Chinese customs, focusing particularly on the social and cultural practices that define leisure and festivities in China. It aims to offer a unique insight into the life of the Chinese people from the perspective of someone who has experienced it firsthand. At the start of the book, the author establishes a context for understanding Chinese home life, comparing architectural styles throughout history and describing the traditional layout of a typical Chinese house. He illustrates the everyday comforts and aesthetics of domestic life while also reflecting on the cultural values embedded in their social structures. Through detailed descriptions of both the physical home and the interactions that occur within, the opening sets the stage for a broader examination of Chinese festivals and public celebrations that follow in subsequent chapters, emphasizing the simplicity and dignity of Chinese pleasures.
Les Parisiens peints par un Chinois
"Les Parisiens peints par un Chinois" by Ki-tong Tcheng is a travelogue and observational commentary written in the late 19th century. The work offers insights into the experiences and thoughts of a Chinese observer visiting Paris during a time of cultural exchange exemplified by the Exposition Universelle. The narrative, through its protagonist, reveals unique comparisons between Chinese and European life, particularly highlighting the social customs and attitudes towards marriage and modernization. The opening of the text introduces the author's intention to share genuine impressions of Paris from a Chinese perspective, particularly focusing on the themes of marriage and societal norms. After discussing reactions to a new "League Against Marriage" founded in England, the narrator reflects on notable European writers’ opinions, illustrating a blend of admiration and critique toward Western customs. This portion sets a contemplative tone as the narrator grapples with the contradictions of marriage in both cultures while elaborating on the differences in societal expectations and individual freedoms, laying the groundwork for the exploration of broader themes of identity and cultural divergence.