Clunas (SOAS, U. of London, UK), who has written extensively about Ming Dynasty art and culture, has written a fascinating account of the dynasty's most well-known painter that explores in detail his social and professional relationships. Wen Zhengming (d.1559) produced his paintings and calligraphy as part of a system of gift exchange (the 'elegant debts' of the title) important in Chinese society. The nature of gifts, patronage, friendship, family, and political ties are some of the themes that Clunas explores as he recounts the evidence found in Wen's letters to his son and other primary sources. The volume, which is beautifully illustrated with color and b&w plates, contains a bibliography and an index of Chinese names, but no subject index. Annotation ©2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)