CHINE, EPOQUE SHUNZHI (1644-1661)

The well-known novel, Shuihu zhuan ('The Water Margin'), attributed to Shi Nai'an (1296–1372), is regarded as one of the great novels of Chinese literature. The story is set in the Song dynasty and revolves around a group of some 108 outlaws, who assemble at the marshes of Liangshan and form a sizeable army. Eventually they are granted amnesty by the authorities, who then send them to repel foreign invaders and suppress rebels. For a further discussion of the story, see Michael Butler, Julia B. Curtis and Stephen Little, Shunzhi Porcelain: Treasures from an Unknown Reign, 1644-1661, Alexandria, VA, 2002.