Anthony J. Barbieri-Low

Anthony J. Barbieri-Low is a Professor of Chinese History in the Department of History at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). His research focuses on ancient Chinese history, comparative empires, art history, and social/economic dynamics of early imperial China. He is renowned for his groundbreaking studies on artisans, legal systems, and cross-cultural comparisons between ancient civilizations.

• Published seminal works including Artisans in Early Imperial China (2007), Ancient Egypt and Early China (2021), and The Many Lives of the First Emperor of China (2022).
• Recipient of prestigious awards from the Association for Asian Studies, American Historical Association, and NEH Fellowships.
• Explores themes such as artisan labor, legal texts, migration policies, and cultural exchange through interdisciplinary methods.

His research spans archaeological analysis, historical texts, and comparative studies, emphasizing socio-economic structures and material culture. Barbieri-Low’s work bridges labor history, art history, and political systems, offering fresh insights into early Chinese society.

• Recent Projects: Analysis of the First Emperor of Qin’s legacy, legal frameworks in the Qin-Han dynasties, and the role of artisans in imperial construction.