China's hidden century: 1796-1912

The catalogues of an exhibition called "Nineteenth-Century Art Worldwide" provide a re-reading of the past by threading relics on display into a rich tapestry of life under the last century of Manchu reign. The exhibition showcases cultural creativity in China between 1796 and 1912, demonstrating extraordinary resilience in the face of external and internal warfare, socioeconomic turmoil, and unprecedented exposure to global influences. The book, edited by Jessica Harrison-Hall and Julia Lovell, presents a fresh understanding of this important era, presenting a stunning array of objects and artworks to create a detailed visual account of responses to war, technology, urbanization, political transformations, and external influences.

Format: Hardback
Length: 336 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2023
Publisher: British Museum Press

Nineteenth-Century Art Worldwide offers a captivating exploration of art from the late 1800s to early 1900s, encompassing a wide range of artistic styles and movements. The exhibition catalogues, comprising seven essays, serve as a guide to re-reading the past, weaving together the artifacts on display into a rich tapestry of life during the last century of Manchu reign.

Cultural creativity in China during this period demonstrated extraordinary resilience amidst intense external and internal warfare, as well as socioeconomic turmoil. Innovation can be observed in various material cultures, including print, painting, calligraphy, textiles, fashion, jewelry, ceramics, lacquer, glass, arms and armor, silver, and photography. During a century in which China's art, literature, crafts, and technology faced unprecedented exposure to global influences, the country's creative spirit flourished.

The 19th century in China has often been defined and dismissed as an era of cultural decline. However, this beautifully illustrated, 336-page book, edited by Jessica Harrison-Hall and Julia Lovell, sets out to present a fresh understanding of this important era. Supported by a four-year project funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council, the book draws on new research and features chapter contributions from international scholars from renowned institutions.

The book offers a stunning array of objects and artworks that provide a detailed visual account of responses to war, technology, urbanization, political transformations, and external influences. It sheds light on the diverse artistic expressions and cultural developments that emerged during this period, challenging previous perceptions and revealing the rich tapestry of creativity that characterized the 19th century in China.

In conclusion, Nineteenth-Century Art Worldwide offers a valuable perspective on art from the late 1800s to early 1900s, providing a fresh understanding of a period often overlooked in historical narratives. Through its comprehensive collection of objects and artworks, the book showcases the extraordinary resilience and creativity of Chinese artists and their responses to the challenges of their time. It is a must-read for anyone interested in art, history, and cultural studies.

Weight: 2170g
Dimension: 287 x 260 x 33 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780714124933