SKU: 90314196140

Shanzhai: Deconstruction in Chinese

Sale price$13.73 Regular price$15.26
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $3.81 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Aug 4 - Aug 9

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

Shanzhai: Deconstruction in ChineseTracing the thread of "decreation" in Chinese thought, from constantly changing classical masterpieces to fake cell phones that are better than the original. Shanzhai is a Chinese neologism that means "fake," originally coined to describe knock off cell phones marketed under such names as Nokir and Samsing. These cell phones were not crude forgeries but multifunctional, stylish, and as good as or better than the originals. Shanzhai has since spread

Tracing the thread of "decreation" in Chinese thought, from constantly changing classical masterpieces to fake cell phones that are better than the original.

Shanzhai is a Chinese neologism that means "fake," originally coined to describe knock-off cell phones marketed under such names as Nokir and Samsing. These cell phones were not crude forgeries but multifunctional, stylish, and as good as or better than the originals. Shanzhai has since spread into other parts of Chinese life, with shanzhai books, shanzhai politicians, shanzhai stars. There is a shanzhai Harry Potter: Harry Potter and the Porcelain Doll, in which Harry takes on his nemesis Yandomort. In the West, this would be seen as piracy, or even desecration, but in Chinese culture, originals are continually transformed--deconstructed. In this volume in the Untimely Meditations series, Byung-Chul Han traces the thread of deconstruction, or "decreation," in Chinese thought, from ancient masterpieces that invite inscription and transcription to Maoism--"a kind a shanzhai Marxism," Han writes.

Han discusses the Chinese concepts of quan, or law, which literally means the weight that slides back and forth on a scale, radically different from Western notions of absoluteness; zhen ji, or original, determined not by an act of creation but by unending process; xian zhan, or seals of leisure, affixed by collectors and part of the picture's composition; fuzhi, or copy, a replica of equal value to the original; and shanzhai. The Far East, Han writes, is not familiar with such "pre-deconstructive" factors as original or identity. Far Eastern thought begins with deconstruction.



Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: MIT Press
Published: 10/06/2017
ISBN: 9780262534369
Pages: 104
Weight: 0.20lbs
Size: 7.10h x 4.50w x 0.20d
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 90314196140

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.2 ★★★★★
Based on 18 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
R
Verified Purchase
Richard T. Russell
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
A Difficult to Find T-Shirt
These T-Shirts are nice. A super difficult to find. The manufacturer calls it a mock-turtle neck (MTN). But the collar height is actually a bit shorter than the traditional MTN, which is great. It's closer to a regular T-Shirt that comes all the way to the neckline. And very somt a comfortable. This is the perfect style of T-Shirt to wear under a sportscoat, if desired. Or under a shirt where you want the T-Shirt to show for contrast. Just the right look.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on February 17, 2026
D
Verified Purchase
Dario Escobar
Battle Creek, US
★★★★★ 1
Sugerencia
Me llego pero el pedido tiene un fuerte mal olor a agua tipo de químico que aún lavandolo no se se va el mal olor . primera ves que me pasa esto
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on March 7, 2026
K
Verified Purchase
katherine
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 4
Nice shirts for the price! But do not recommend for thick body types.
I bought 3 different ones. 2 Mediums and 1 2XL. The mediums fit correct and really nice! Would definitely recommend for the price! More like a exercise material, and sticks to your body shape... Sooo the 2Xl did not fit the person correct. Was so tight... And the strech is to stick to your body... So would not recommend for anyone a bit hefty or fit tbh. But the shirts are good materials and feel nice for a fresh day out or to use as gym clothes!!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on August 26, 2025
L
Verified Purchase
Liliana Fernandez
Birmingham, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Value heat gear material with high neck collar and loose fitting
Color: Black, Size: X-Large
My husband has been looking for mock neck shirts that are comparable to UA heat gear material but that are short sleeve and fit loose to wear under his work uniform. These seemed to have been a good soft quality option and the price is is great.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 4, 2025
M
Verified Purchase
My boots has not arrived yet,however I have been ordering these boots for the second time.They are comfortable for winter I work on delivery
Louisville, US
★★★★★ 5
Bought second one
Color: Navy, Size: Medium
I bought the black T-shirt about a month ago and really liked the quality the fabric is soft, the fit is great, and it holds up well after washing. So I decided to get the same one in dark blue.Very satisfied with the purchase
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on December 9, 2025

recommand products