Shanzhai

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Shanzhai is a Chinese term meaning "fake," initially used to describe knock-off cell phones like Nokir and Samsing. These devices are not mere forgeries; they are stylish, multifunctional, and often superior to the originals. The concept of shanzhai has expanded into various aspects of Chinese life, including literature and politics, exemplified by parodies like Harry Potter and the Porcelain Doll, where Harry faces Yandomort. While such adaptations might be viewed as piracy in the West, Chinese culture embraces transformation and deconstruction of originals. In this volume of the Untimely Meditations series, Byung-Chul Han explores the theme of deconstruction in Chinese thought, tracing its roots from ancient masterpieces that encourage reinterpretation to Maoism, which he describes as a form of "shanzhai Marxism." Han examines key Chinese concepts such as quan (law), which signifies a balance rather than absoluteness; zhen ji (original), defined by a continuous process rather than a singular creation; xian zhan (seals of leisure), which collectors use as part of a work's composition; and fuzhi (copy), regarded as equally valuable to the original. He argues that Far Eastern thought does not align with "pre-deconstructive" ideas of originality or identity, positing that it fundamentally begins with deconstruction.