The Relevance of Fine Art in Imperial China's Response to Globalisation
THE ARTS SOCIETY THE HAGUE
Most kindly invites you to join us for our historic
SPECIAL EVENT Friday 8th November 2024 at 16.00hrs.
At the University Leiden – Campus Wijnhaven,
Room 3.60, Turfmarkt 99
2511 DP The Hague
Faculty International Relations and Political Science
The Arts Society accredited Lecturer Mr David Rosier has composed a tailor-made lecture especially for this event, which is a first in our Special Events series, based on his vast knowledge of Imperial China - its history, culture and arts.
'THE RELEVANCE OF FINE ART IN IMPERIAL CHINA’S RESPONSE TO GLOBALISATION'
TRIBUTE – TRADE – THEFT
This lecture explores the evolution of Imperial China’s diplomatic and trading interaction with the World that lay beyond its borders and the role that fine art played in those relationships.
To understand China’s view of their position in the World it is necessary to go back to the dawn of Imperial Rule (Qin Dynasty 221-206 BCE) where the principles of the ‘Son of Heaven’ ruling the ‘Middle Kingdom’ with the ‘Mandate of Heaven’ were established by the first emperor who drew heavily upon Confucian philosophy. A durable approach that served China until the collapse of Imperial rule in 1911.
Fine art patronage was the preserve of the emperor and his court. Awareness of fine art produced for the Imperial Court arose through the ‘Tribute’ system which existed between China and ‘Vassal State’ neighbours. Tribute dominated trade from the Han to Song Dynasties (206 BCE – 1279 CE) where China successfully exploited the demand for its finest, and often unique, products.
The 15th century marked the initial stages of what is now known as ‘Globalisation’ where Western Powers sought to establish global trading relationships. Envoys from countries such as Portugal, The Netherlands, and Great Britain became fixated on the ‘luxury’ products that China produced (ceramics, silk, jade and tea) but sought economic reciprocity which China was loathed to provide.
China initially sought, and succeeded, to trade under highly restrictive terms with limited interest in importing European expertise, raw materials, or manufactures. A strategy that would eventually threaten the stability of the global economy.
The talk will trace diplomatic and trading developments through the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) before focussing on the Imperial prosperity of the 18th Century under Emperor Qianlong. His legacy, was however, the military and economic humiliations of the 19th Century as China stubbornly rejected industrialisation and the concept of a Free Trade environment.
Fine art and antiquities would play a critical role as China was forced into a Free Trade environment following defeats in two Opium Wars (1839-1842 & 1856-1860) and particularly with the realisation by Western powers that ownership of the Imperial Art Collection was assumed to give political legitimacy to an emperor – any lose was therefore regarded as cultural humiliation.
The talk will conclude with a brief overview of how China has sought to preserve its Imperial cultural and artistic heritage in the Republican and Communist eras.
How to book this event:
Special Event Cost
- For Members is EUR 14.00.
- For Non-members is EUR 16.00.
-
-
The deadline for registration is midnight Tuesday 5th November 2024.
Please note you'll only be added to the list of participants upon receipt of your payment and it's your responsibility to mitigate for any weekend/holiday delays on your bank's part. Please transfer to:
THE ARTS SOCIETY THE HAGUE account NL90 INGB 0008 3198 36.
Prior registration/booking is required.
Please click on this sentence for the registration form.
Cancellation Policy: Please note that fees to attend any Special Events or Lectures of The Arts Society The Hague are non-refundable. If at the last minute you need to cancel your attendance, please let us know so that your place can be allocated to someone on the Waiting List. Alternatively, you are welcome to arrange a replacement. All proceeds go to the on-going support of the Society.
Liability Policy: The Arts Society The Hague does not accept liability for any theft, accident or damage that may occur to those participating in The Society's activities.
OTHER EVENTS
Harteveltstraat 1,
Joan Miró Sculptures
Guided Tour in English
1,
vvvvvv
Guided Tour in English