Synopses & Reviews
The striking illustrated books, maps, and prints featured in China on Paper are some of the most notable among the printed works produced at the dawn of the era of global trade to present China to Europe and bring Western science, religion, and art to China. From a Chinese translation of the rosary to French editions of Confucian classics, from a monumental map of the world to magnificent engravings of the European pavilions built by Jesuits at the behest of the Qianlong emperor—these works on paper reveal a compelling and largely hidden history of mutual curiosity and fruitful collaboration at a time when few people traveled far from home.
Review
“This is a thorough, incisive study of the history and mutual influences of the contacts between Europe and China from the 16th to the mid-19th centuries as revealed in images on paper…. Recommended.”—Choice
Review
“As one expects from a Getty publication, the scholarship is thorough and the reproductions are impeccable.”—Publishers Weekly
Review
“China on Paper is essential reading for both general and academic readers with an interest in exchange of ideas, and ‘paper’ trade goods, between Europe and China during this period.”—History in Review
Review
“The virtue of this highly informative book is precisely this: it allows us to give these works the consideration they deserve not only as individual items, but more importantly as part of a movement in the transfer of ideas; one that stimulated new hybrid forms and shaped how China and Europe conceived of one another in the pre-modern era.”—The International Map Collector’s Society Journal
Review
The republicationat a very reasonable priceof this extremely attractive collection is a welcome development, which will no doubt stimulate further interest in the material and visual cultures of this fascinating period.”Asian Studies Review
Review
A prize winning and well illustrated study of European contacts with China in commerce and culture, starting in the late sixteenth century.”Bibliothèque dHumanisme et Renaissance
Review
Based on historical facts, vivid color print illustrations, and comprehensive analysis, China on Paper unfolds a series of spectacular historical events featuring cross-nation understanding in the areas of science, religion, culture and art. . . . For any researcher who wants to explore the Sino-European interaction or is interested in Chinas cultural immigration, China on Paper presents a hidden world behind prints, maps and illustrated books, reflecting the beauty of diversity and continuing cultural convergence.”Springer Science + Business Media
About the Author
Marcia Reed is head of Collection Development at the Getty Research Institute. Paola Demattè is associate professor of Chinese art and archaeology at the Rhode Island School of Design.