This book provides a comprehensive overview of the dispersal of Chinese cultural relics from the late 19th to the early 20th century. Following the Opium Wars, there was a surge of Western interest in uncovering treasures in China, leading to the removal of countless artifacts by foreign explorers and antique dealers. These national treasures were lost overseas, making their return to China nearly impossible. Beginning with the exploits of China’s Western explorers, such as Sven Hedin, the book unfolds in eleven chapters, detailing the adventures of figures like Stein, von Le Coq, Otani Kozui, and others in locations such as Lop Nur, Dunhuang, and the Blackwater City. It chronicles their plundering of precious cultural relics, including the Berzic Caves wall paintings, Han Dynasty documents, Dunhuang documents, and numerous other valuable artifacts. Filled with meticulously researched historical details, this book serves as both a lament and a commemoration of a century of Chinese cultural relics dispersed worldwide.
A little heads up for March 8 – bringing Wallis in China to Soho House in conversation with the fabulous Michelle Garnaut as part of the Hong Kong International Literary Festival – it’ll be a fun night – gossip, scandal, 1920s China, books & wine!
Not sure who these gentlemen are but they’re having a picnic at Malatoon (Ma-Lau-Tung) in 1866, which is most probably Ma Yau Tong on the border of New Kowloon and the New Territories. Any ideas on who these geezers are most appreciated?
A piece by me in the China Books Review – The Thrilling Truth – a review of Joseph Kanon’s Shanghai, a problematic thriller set in 1930s Shanghai that raises the question is history at risk of being overtaken by fiction?
‘Paul French gives an intriguing and erudite picture of the time Wallis was in China.’ Her dress is of course “Wallis Blue” selected for her by the designer Mainbocher.
