ABSTRACT
An assessment of the Mongols’ Chinese subjects’ attitudes toward their rulers faces considerable obstacles. The vast majority of the Chinese were illiterate, and nearly all contemporary written sources reflect elite views. Chinese artisans were another group that developed a positive attitude toward the Mongols. The Chinese elite prized the objects produced, but not so much the craftsmen. Chinese and Central Asian textiles, Iranian illustrated manuscripts, and Russian metalwork, among other crafts, flourished under the Mongol Empire. Some Chinese perceived the Mongols as barbarians who killed countless Chinese and plundered numerous cities and sites. Many Chinese actually assisted in defeating other dynasties in China. Like Yelu Chucai, the Chinese advisers perceived themselves as having a civilizing mission. The Chinese sources also credit Yao with saving Qubilai’s life and career.
