A Piece of Chinese History

Framed - Sales contract, with red seals, for land in 史家莊 (Shijia Zhuang) town, south west of Beijing.

A contract agreement to sell the land for a set price, date 16 November 1949, less than a month after Chinese Communist leader, Mao Zedong, declared the creation of the People’s Republic of China, on October 1, 1949. In the areas controlled by Communist forces traditional land tenure was broken up through Land Reform. However, initially Land Reform was carried out with the least possible social disruption. Middle and rich peasants were allowed to keep part of their land holdings and sales like the above were possible. Yet, directly after the Second World War, Land Reform took a more radical turn. Until a speech by Mao encouraged a moderate stance once more. But by 1956, private rural land ownership was effectively abolished.

Framed on the National Day of Republic of China (Taiwan) which is the best day to frame it as it is also just past New Moon. According to Chinese Feng Shui it can help to manifest anything you want property wise.

Frame Size 64 cm X 50 cm

Document Size 56 cm X 43 cm at the widest point

slightly irregular as on hand-made rice paper

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