Dorothy Yin-yee Ko

This project focuses on the quarrying, carving, collecting, and gifting of inkstones in the eighteenth century to deepen our understanding of the social history of artisans as well as the relationship between their knowledge systems and the literary culture of scholars and calligraphers. Adopting a "geography of skills" approach, the study also illuminates the role of embodied craft and technology in mediating social relations, shaping gender identities, and integrating the empire.