Foreword
Background
The Long History of Chinese Genre Painting
A Trusted Painter of His Majesty
Emperor Qianlong's Southern Tours and the Painting of Prosperity
A City of Charm
Mountains and Lakes
Bridges on the Water
A Symphony of Boats
Gardens
Commerce and Industry: A Key to Suzhou's Success
Food, Wine and Tea
Silk, Cotton, Clothes and Shoes
Buying and Selling
A Center of Trade and Commerce
Chapter IV
City Life
Studying to Become a Mandarin
Artistic Life
Traditional Marriage Rituals
Religious life
Appendix
Chronology
Index