The relationship between East and West remains a topic of burning timeliness, particularly in its political dimension. Yet, we can gain a complete understanding of the current tensions only if we consider them within a broader historical framework, spanning from art to diplomacy, from religion to ethnography. The present volume tackles precisely this complex task, offering its reader a rich mosaic of case studies and scholarly research, relating to the mutual approaches between the Euro-American ‘West’, and the Sino-Japanese ‘East’. In the first part of the book, art historian Marco Musillo uses the depictions of Tartars in fourteenth-century Italian frescoes as the starting point of a trajectory leading to eighteenth-century European literature on China. In the second part, the reader is introduced to two cases of diplomatic encounter, one in sixteenth-century Italy between Japanese subjects and local courts, and the other one between Qing China and twentieth-century United States, in the space of the universal exhibition in St. Louis. Finally, the last section proposes three interconnected art historical explorations: the screen design of Chinese origin in colonial Mexico, Medieval Christian tombstones in China, and early-modern Filipino sacred sculpture.
Between the sixteenth and nineteenth centuries, competing European empires, notably Spain, Portugal, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Germany, France, Belgium, and others vied for commercial and political control of transoceanic networks, particularly the transpacific routes between Asia and the Americas. The essays in Transpacific Engagements: Trade, Translation, and Visual Culture of Entangled Empires (1565–1898) address the resulting cultural and artistic exchanges with an emphasis on both the Spanish and American enterprises in the Asia-Pacific region. The essays are grouped into three parts entitled “Entangled Empires,” “Empires and Translations,” and “Empires and Trade.” A common thread in the diverse perspectives presented here is the importance of transpacific engagements to the global connections of the sixteenth century and beyond. While the focus is on the specific connection between the Asia-Pacific region and the Americas through the Philippines, we see how other parts of the world, notably South and Southeast Asia and Europe, were also participants impacted by these transpacific linkages. The goal is to convey the complexity of entangled networks of commercial, political, and religious interests that complicate the Spanish enterprise in the Pacific. Commercial ventures into Canton and Manila by the early American republic, for example, overlapped with and later replaced the Spanish galleons. East, South, and Southeast Asian polities and dynasties remained powerful players in what were often multilateral, rather than bilateral, exchanges. Contributors to this volume are based in Asia, the Americas, and Europe.
This book explores how the Medici Grand Dukes pursued ways to expand their political, commercial, and cultural networks beyond Europe, cultivating complex relations with the Ottoman Empire and other Islamicate regions, and looking further east to India, China, and Japan. The chapters in this volume discuss how casting a global, cross-cultural net was part and parcel of the Medicean political vision. Diplomatic gifts, items of commercial exchange, objects looted at war, maritime connections, and political plots were an inherent part of how the Medici projected their state on the global arena. The eleven chapters of this volume demonstrate that the mobility of objects, people, and knowledge that generated the global interactions analyzed here was not unidirectional—rather, it went both to and from Tuscany. In addition, by exploring evidence of objects produced in Tuscany for Asian markets,this book reveals hitherto neglected histories of how Western cultures projected themselves eastwards.
The book examines the process of symbolic and material alteration of religious images in antiquity, the middle ages and the modern period. The process by which the form and meaning of images are modified and adapted for a new context is defined by a large number of spiritual, religious, artistic, geographical or historical circumstances. This book provides a defined theoretical framework for these symbolic and material alterations based on the concept of iconotropy; that is, the way in which images change and/or alter their meaning. Iconotropy is a key concept in religious history, particularly for periods in which religious changes, often turbulent, took place. In addition, the iconotropic process of appropriating cult images brought with it changes in the materiality of those images. Numerous accounts from antiquity, the middle ages and the modern period detail how cult images were involved in such processes of misinterpretation, both symbolically and materially. The book will be of interest to scholars working in art history, visual culture and religious history.
Christianity and Confucianism: Culture, Faith and Politics, sets comparative textual analysis against the backcloth of 2000 years of cultural, political, and religious interaction between China and the West. As the world responds to China's rise and China positions herself for global engagement, this major new study reawakens and revises an ancient conversation. As a generous introduction to biblical Christianity and the Confucian Classics, Christianity and Confucianism tells a remarkable story of mutual formation and cultural indebtedness. East and West are shown to have shaped the mind, heart, culture, philosophy and politics of the other - and far more, perhaps, than either knows or would want to admit. Christopher Hancock has provided a rich and stimulating resource for scholars and students, diplomats and social scientists, devotees of culture and those who pursue wisdom and peace today.
🕯️ Whispers in the Dark: Top 15 Ghostly Children and Haunted Toys 🕯️ Are you brave enough to uncover the spine-chilling tales of haunted nurseries and eerie toys? Dive into "Whispers in the Dark," where the innocence of childhood collides with the supernatural in the most unsettling ways. Each story will keep you on the edge of your seat, from ghostly laughter echoing through dark rooms to toys that move on their own. Discover the history and myths behind these paranormal encounters and question what truly lurks in the shadows of your own home. 💀 Highlights include: Black-Eyed Children: Encounter the chilling legend of these spectral figures. Dear David: A social media sensation that will make you rethink every shadow. Bloody Mary: The timeless terror that begins with a whisper and ends in a scream. Samara from The Ring: Dive into the origins of this iconic horror figure. The Grady Twins: Relive the haunting memories from "The Shining." Prepare yourself for a journey that will unsettle even the bravest souls. Are you ready to listen to the whispers in the dark?
In the richly woven tapestry of "Whispers of the Forgotten: Tales from the Shadows," readers are invited on a journey through the veils of time and memory, exploring the spaces between light and shadow, remembered and erased. This anthology unfolds in a series of tales that traverse otherworldly dimensions, forgotten histories, and the profound depths of the human psyche, revealing the cyclical dance of forgetting and remembering that defines our existence. From Leo's odyssey into realms beyond comprehension, where ancient truths of existence are unveiled, to Miriam's struggle against a conspiracy that seeks to silence the voices of history, each narrative thread is a testament to the resilience of the forgotten and the power of truth to emerge from the shadows. Through their journeys, the characters challenge the constructs of time and identity, embarking on quests not only for recognition but for a reclamation of legacy. "Whispers of the Forgotten" is an invitation to reflect on the nature of memory, the fabric of history, and the enduring spirit of those voices lost to time. It poses poignant questions about what it means to be remembered and the lengths to which one must go to ensure that no story, no matter how faintly whispered, is left in the darkness. As the stories of the forgotten ones unfold, readers are offered a glimpse into the potential for new understandings of the past and the role each of us plays in the narrative of history. This anthology is not merely a collection of tales but a beacon, illuminating the shadows of forgotten histories and inspiring a cycle of remembering that transcends the pages of the book. "Whispers of the Forgotten: Tales from the Shadows" beckons you to embark on a journey of discovery, to explore the echoes of the past that linger in the present, and to embrace the light found within the depths of the shadows.
In a kingdom ruled by ancient prophecies and hidden legacies, a forgotten lineage awakens to restore the balance between light and darkness. "The Forgotten Oracle: A Tale of Prophecy and Destiny" invites readers into the enchanting world of Eldoria, where the past and present collide, and the future hinges on the bravery of a young woman and the forgotten wisdom she must reclaim. Elara, a seemingly ordinary young woman from the quiet village of Nareth, has her life irrevocably changed when she begins to experience vivid, unsettling visions. These visions reveal a hidden truth: Elara is the last living descendant of the Oracles, an ancient order of seers who once guided Eldoria with their prophetic insights. As she delves deeper into her family's mysterious past, Elara uncovers a journal belonging to her mother, Lyanna, a powerful Oracle who foresaw a great upheaval and hid her knowledge to protect her daughter. Eldoria is a land steeped in magic and mystery, where ancient rituals and forgotten gods linger in the shadows. The kingdom's balance of power is precariously maintained by the prophecies of the Oracles, and as Elara unlocks the secrets of her heritage, she learns of a dire prophecy foretelling the rise of a malevolent force known as the "Shadow." This entity seeks to rewrite destiny itself, plunging the kingdom into chaos and darkness. The prophecy also speaks of a "Guardian of Light," a figure destined to stand against the Shadow and restore balance. Elara must embrace her newfound abilities and take on the mantle of the Guardian to prevent the impending disaster. Elara's journey is one of self-discovery and courage, filled with trials and tribulations that test her resolve. Alongside her loyal companions—Kael, her steadfast friend and protector; Prince Alden, the enigmatic heir to the throne; Lady Isolde, a wise and experienced mentor; and Arion, a mysterious mage with crucial knowledge—Elara navigates the treacherous waters of court intrigue, political alliances, and magical dangers. Each ally brings unique strengths and perspectives, contributing to the rich tapestry of the narrative and the overarching theme of unity in the face of darkness. The richly imagined world of Eldoria provides a captivating backdrop for Elara's quest. From the tranquil village of Nareth to the bustling capital city and the eerie, enchanted forests, each location is imbued with history and magic. The ancient temples, hidden groves, and mystical artifacts that Elara encounters are not merely settings but integral elements of the plot, each holding secrets that propel her journey forward. At its heart, "The Forgotten Oracle" is a story of hope and resilience. It explores timeless themes of fate, free will, and the nature of power, delving into the complexities of leadership and the weight of legacy. Elara's journey is not just a battle against external forces but an internal struggle to accept her identity and the responsibilities that come with it. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the enduring light that shines within each of us, even in the darkest of times. "The Forgotten Oracle: A Tale of Prophecy and Destiny" is a spellbinding adventure that will captivate readers from the first page to the last. With its compelling characters, intricate plot, and richly detailed world, it is a must-read for fans of epic fantasy and tales of heroism and self-discovery. Join Elara on her journey to uncover the truth, embrace her destiny, and save Eldoria from the encroaching darkness. The fate of the kingdom rests in her hands, and the legacy of the Oracles will never be forgotten.
This vivid book is an inquiry into the stagnation between the development of architectural practice and the progress in urban modernization. It is about islands as territories of resistance. It is about dense places where multitudes dwell in perennial contestations with the city on every front. It is about the histories, tactics and spaces of everyday survival within the hegemonic sway of global capital and unstoppable development. It is preoccupied with making visible the culture of resistance and architecture's entanglement with it. It is about urban resilience. It is about Hong Kong, where uncertainty is status quo.This interdisciplinary volume explores real and invented places and identities that are created in tandem with Hong Kong's urban development. Mapping contested spaces in the territory, it visualizes the energies and tenacity of the people as manifest in their daily life, social and professional networks and the urban spaces in which they inhabit. Embodying the multifaceted nature of the Asian metropolis, the book utilizes a combination of archival materials, public data sources, field observations and documentation, analytical drawings, models, and maps.Related Link(s)
🕵️♂️ Unlock the Secrets of the Supernatural 🌌 Dive into the spine-chilling world of "Top 15 Supernatural Encounters"! This gripping collection takes you on a journey through haunted houses, eerie forests, and ancient ruins, where the line between reality and the paranormal blurs. Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, these true stories of ghostly apparitions, mysterious lights, and spectral entities will keep you on the edge of your seat. Highlights: Haunted Houses: Explore attics and basements teeming with restless spirits. Eerie Forests: Encounter strange entities and the mystical lights of Devil's Hollow. Urban Legends: Discover shadowy figures and phantom hitchhikers in modern settings. Ancient Mysteries: Unveil the secrets of cursed relics and haunted battlefields. Dimensional Anomalies: Witness time slips and the mysteries of parallel dimensions. 🔮 Are you ready to experience the unexplained? 🔮
