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"In a world fraught with uncertainties about "verity" the collection of essays entitled Understanding Authenticity in Chinese Cultural Heritage comes at a particularly germane time. Assembled by leading scholars in Chinese art and social history, the essays dig deeply into definitions of antiquity, authenticity, replication, and deception—intended and not."

William Chapman, Dean, School of Architecture, the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa

"Does authenticity matter in the context of Chinese heritage? How do we understand 'copycat' culture? From the forbidden city, to tea, to Chinese literacy, this book delves into these questions on a delightful journey through Chinese heritage from ancient to contemporary times. A must-read for anyone interested in China, or antiquity in general."

Yujie Zhu, Senior Lecturer, Research School of Humanities & the Arts, Australian National University

"The problem of this volume can be fairly stated as why the idea of authenticity in China cannot be reduced to questions of copying and representation. But nor can they be dismissed. All the contributors have their different answers to this paradox which, by following their real value, we are led to a new pathway for a comparative understanding of authenticity."

Michael Rowlands, Emeritus Professor of Material Culture, University College London

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