A Vibrant Voyage from China (Bilingual Edition) / Editorial Consultants: Li Lai Fong, et al.

To Western eyes, Qing Dynasty China was a land of mystery and allure. From the opulent pleasure barges gracing the Pearl River to the delicate "three-inch golden lotuses" adorning women's feet, every facet sparked immense curiosity. These visions of China gave rise to a commercial opportunity for export paintings. Pith paper paintings, imbued with Chinese aesthetics and employing Western artistic techniques, flourished in 19th-century Guangzhou. Their vibrant depictions of Chinese life, coupled with their affordability and portability, made them highly sought-after mementos for European and American merchants, collectors, and sailors stationed at the port. These small pith paper paintings, in their own way, helped to narrow the understanding between East and West, while also reflecting a romanticized perception of this exotic land. This album showcases the pith paper paintings collected by the Chinese University of Hong Kong Library. Created in 19th-century Guangzhou, these artworks vividly depict daily life scenes of that era. After almost two centuries, these beautiful yet fragile "postcards" have returned to their place of origin. Despite the changes over time, the rich social landscape of China from a century ago is preserved through these delicate pith paper paintings, still radiating with vibrant colours before us. Westerners viewed Qing Dynasty China with a sense of mystery and exotic beauty. From the magnificent pleasure boats on the Pearl River to the custom of bound feet on women, these sights ignited profound curiosity among Europeans and Americans. These romanticized perceptions of China created a burgeoning market for export paintings. Pith paper paintings, utilizing Western artistic techniques, gained popularity in Guangzhou during the late 19th century. Their charming Chinese motifs, accessible price point, and ease of transport made them cherished souvenirs for European and American traders, collectors, and sailors based at the port. These modest artworks served not only to foster a greater understanding between cultures but also mirrored the Western imagination of a faraway, enchanting world. This album presents the pith paper paintings held by the Chinese University of Hong Kong Library, created in 19th-century Guangzhou. They offer vivid glimpses into the scenes of everyday life from that bygone era. Nearly two centuries after their journey across the seas, these exquisite yet delicate "postcards" have found their way back to their homeland. Though times have changed, the rich tapestry of Chinese life from a century ago endures, preserved on thin pith paper, remaining as vibrant and colourful as ever. Full Title: A Vibrant Voyage from China 異想中國: Pith Paintings at the Chinese University of Hong Kong Library 香港中文大學圖書館藏通草紙畫 (Bilingual Edition) Editorial Consultants: Li Lai Fong, Ching May Bo ISBN: 978-988-237-331-0 Binding: Cloth Hardcover Language: Bilingual (Chinese and English) Pages: 134 Dimensions: 240 x 190 mm **About the Editorial Consultants** **Li Lai Fong** Associate University Librarian, The Chinese University of Hong Kong **Ching May Bo** Professor of History at the Department of Chinese and History, the City University of Hong Kong. She is also a distinguished "Pearl River Scholar" appointed by Guangdong Province (at Sun Yat-sen University). Her primary research interests encompass the social and cultural history of modern China, the history of the Lingnan region, and historical anthropology.