The Virgin Mary and Catholic Identities in Chinese History
Format:Hardback
Publisher:Hong Kong University Press
Published:29th Oct '13
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The Chinese Catholic Church traces its living roots back to the late sixteenth century and its historical roots back even further, to the Yuan dynasty. This book explores paintings and sculptures of the Virgin Mary over several centuries and the communities that produced them. It argues for the emergence of distinctly Chinese Catholic identities as artistic representations of the Virgin Mary at different times and in different places absorbed and in turn influenced representations of Chinese figures from Guanyin to the Empress Dowager. At other times, indigenous styles have been diluted by Western influences. As a study of the social and cultural histories of communities that have survived over many centuries, this book offers a new view of Catholicism in China-one that sees its history as more than simply a cycle of persecution and resistance.
In this path-breaking work the author asks, 'How are Chinese Catholic identities expressed through images?' In answering this, he skilfully interweaves the different ways in which the Virgin Mary has been depicted in Chinese iconography with the changing circumstances of the local church, China's tumultuous history, and how this relates to broader ecclesiastical, cultural and international developments. Anyone interested in religion, modern China, or cultural exchange, should read this book. -- Richard Rigby, Executive Director of The China Institute, Australian National University The Virgin Mary and Catholic Identities in Chinese History offers much original information and insightful interpretations and reflections, and it makes worthwhile reading for anyone interested in Catholicism in China. -- Gianni Criveller Asian Review of Books Painstakingly researched and elegantly written... Clarke's work is the definitive study on this topic, and provides trenchant insights into the complex question of authentically indigenous religious expression. American Historical Review A well-produced book... [Clarke] is to be commended on his analysis of popular devotion in China through the history of Marian imagery. -- M. Antoni J. Ucerler, S.J. Theological Studies
ISBN: 9789888139996
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
312 pages