Afong Moy Presents Chinese Objects for Personal Use

Abstract

In New York and elsewhere, Afong Moy, with Atung’s assistance, presented Chinese objects such as toys, paper folders, firecrackers, fans, card cases, and shawls which the Carneses brought to America in great numbers. Information in this chapter defines how these goods moved from her stage to the wider market. Using as a foil Philip Hone’s two teenage children, who attended Afong Moy’s staging with him, the chapter investigates the sorts of Chinese objects younger Americans might purchase for their individual use. Afong Moy’s and Atung’s explanations of their application conveys aspects of Chinese cultural life. The chapter also explores the purpose and function of Chinese-made objects in everyday American life.