National University of Singapore Press
Trade and Society
The Amoy Network on the China Coast, 1683-1735
9789971697730
Distributed for National University of Singapore Press
Trade and Society
The Amoy Network on the China Coast, 1683-1735
The book examines the social and economic changes in south Fukien (Fujian) on the southeast coast of China during late imperial times. Faced with land shortages and overpopulation, the rural population of south Fukien turned to the sea in search of fresh opportunities to secure a livelihood. With the tacit support of local officials and the scholar gentry, the merchants played the pivotal role in long-distance trade, and the commercial networks they established spanned the entire China coast, making the port city of Amoy (Xiamen) a major centre for maritime trade.
In the work, the author discusses four interrelated spheres of activity, namely, the traditional rural sector, the port cities, the coastal trade and the overseas trade links. He argues that the creative use of clan organizations was key to the growth of the Amoy network along the coast as well as overseas.
In the work, the author discusses four interrelated spheres of activity, namely, the traditional rural sector, the port cities, the coastal trade and the overseas trade links. He argues that the creative use of clan organizations was key to the growth of the Amoy network along the coast as well as overseas.
344 pages | 6 x 9 | © 2014
Asian Studies: General Asian Studies
Geography: Economic Geography
History: Asian History, Discoveries and Exploration
Table of Contents
List of Tables, Figures, Maps and Plates
List of Appendices
Administrative Unites in Fukien, 1735
Lists of Fukien Governors-General, Governors and Naval Commanders, 1683-1735
Weights, Measures and Currencies
Abbreviations Used in Footnotes
Note on Romanization
Preface to the Second Edition
Preface to the 1983 Edition
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1: Rural South Fukien 1600-1800
Economic Conditions
Social Conditions
The Rural Exodus
Chapter 2: The Rise of Amoy
From Garrison Post to Rebel Base
Legitimation as a Maritime Centre
Urban Migration and Social Integration
Chapter 3: The Coastal Trading Network of Amoy
Growth and the Taiwan Factor
Coastal Trade
Coastal Shipping
Chapter 4: Merchants
Shipowners and Carriers
Travelling Merchants
Rice and Sugar Merchants in Taiwan
Shopkeepers and Hang Merchants in Amoy
Extraparochial Connections
Chapter 5: The Socio-political Environment
The State and Trade
Provincial Authorities
Fukienese Scholars and Officals
Conclusion
Appendices
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
List of Appendices
Administrative Unites in Fukien, 1735
Lists of Fukien Governors-General, Governors and Naval Commanders, 1683-1735
Weights, Measures and Currencies
Abbreviations Used in Footnotes
Note on Romanization
Preface to the Second Edition
Preface to the 1983 Edition
Acknowledgements
Introduction
Chapter 1: Rural South Fukien 1600-1800
Economic Conditions
Social Conditions
The Rural Exodus
Chapter 2: The Rise of Amoy
From Garrison Post to Rebel Base
Legitimation as a Maritime Centre
Urban Migration and Social Integration
Chapter 3: The Coastal Trading Network of Amoy
Growth and the Taiwan Factor
Coastal Trade
Coastal Shipping
Chapter 4: Merchants
Shipowners and Carriers
Travelling Merchants
Rice and Sugar Merchants in Taiwan
Shopkeepers and Hang Merchants in Amoy
Extraparochial Connections
Chapter 5: The Socio-political Environment
The State and Trade
Provincial Authorities
Fukienese Scholars and Officals
Conclusion
Appendices
Glossary
Bibliography
Index