Final answer:
Charles Lamb's 'Old China' describes pieces of old china subjectively by relating them to personal and nostalgic experiences. The essay highlights the emotional connections and historical narratives associated with these items.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Charles Lamb's essay "Old China," the speaker indeed describes various pieces of old china from a personal and subjective viewpoint. Lamb reminisces fondly over the china; he conflates the delicate porcelain with visions of historical figures and events, lending a subjective and imaginative air to his essay. This sentimental approach humanizes the otherwise inanimate objects rendering them emblematic of cherished memories and times long past. The depiction of these items is subjective as it is interwoven with the nostalgic enjoyment the speaker recounts when associating the history and artistry of the old china with his own personal experiences.
Lamb's essay is a fine example of how material culture, such as porcelain from Jingdezhen, can evoke layered and subjective narratives, beyond its physical beauty and artistic merit. It also underscores the historical significance of porcelain production in China during eras like the Ming and Qing dynasties who were known for their ceramic artistry. Such old china connects to the sociopolitical climate of its time; just as Fang Lijun’s art reflects on the modern societal structure, Lamb's china pieces reflect on various periods of history.