This study applies reader-response criticism to investigate subject positions of gender, age, ethnicity, and profession through the poststructural analysis of an art work entitled "A Book from the Sky," and examines the relationship among viewer, text (the art work), and artist. A description of the art work is provided as an introduction. The study's general concern is "What meanings do viewers with different ethnicity, gender, age, and profession construct from viewing this work of art?" The study compares the similarities and differences of the interpretations given by United States (novice) viewers and Chinese (expert) critics; ascertains the author's intention in making the "Book"; compares his intention with viewer reactions; and describes the codes in the "Book." An introduction to the Chinese language is provided, and the following language codes are defined: images; sounds; radicals; grammar. Three illustrations of the "Book" are provided. (Contains 39 references.) (MAS)