About Me

In ancient China, politicians often engaged in sophisticated bribery practices, such as "elegant bribery," to exchange favors discreetly. One common method involved gifting valuable items, like artwork or antiques, to an official for free. The briber would then arrange for a third party, often an antique dealer, to "purchase" the gifted item from the official at an inflated price, effectively funneling money to them. This practice, noted in historical accounts from the Qing Dynasty, allowed bribes to be concealed as legitimate transactions.

This indirect method avoided direct cash exchanges, which were considered crass and easily traceable. By framing the bribe as a gift followed by a high-priced purchase, the transaction appeared culturally refined and maintained the facade of propriety. The use of intermediaries, such as shopkeepers at Beijing’s Liulichang market, added a layer of discretion, reducing the risk of exposure.

The preference for such methods stemmed from the need to uphold social norms and avoid legal scrutiny. Direct demands for money were seen as vulgar and could damage an official’s reputation or invite prosecution. By embedding bribes within the culturally accepted practice of gift-giving, politicians preserved their status while achieving their objectives, as this "tasteful" approach aligned with societal values of elegance and subtlety.