The purpose of this thesis is to provide new insights into women painters in China, by investigating their use of orchids to symbolise femininity and in which ways the orchid became a theme for...Show moreThe purpose of this thesis is to provide new insights into women painters in China, by investigating their use of orchids to symbolise femininity and in which ways the orchid became a theme for self-identification of female painters.Show less
A window serves as the eye of a building. This thesis attempts to approach the windows of early modern China, roughly from the late Ming to the early Qing period. With the findings, it shows that...Show moreA window serves as the eye of a building. This thesis attempts to approach the windows of early modern China, roughly from the late Ming to the early Qing period. With the findings, it shows that windows served as a practical element as well as a culture symbol. On the one hand, a window could be used to enhance light effects and air circulation; with the coverings, windows created a shelter of privacy for both people inside and outside; windows were also taken into the account of architectural design as an evocative pictorial device. On the other hand, it represented social status and wealth. Windows were also silent statement of the so-called elegant taste, ya. Apart from these, the window motif in literature and art could help to frame an erotic space. It can be concluded that in the early modern period, a window had not only practical functions, but also shouldered multiple cultural symbolic implications.Show less
This paper argues that the Song Dynasty was a turning point for medicine in the pre-modern history of China. The medical theory and governance had undergone a complete transformation as a result of...Show moreThis paper argues that the Song Dynasty was a turning point for medicine in the pre-modern history of China. The medical theory and governance had undergone a complete transformation as a result of the increasing interests of literati scholars and Song emperors.Show less
This thesis unveils how the important and royal image of the lion changed in China after it arrived from India. The lion became the royal guardian in China and evidence of the impressive image of...Show moreThis thesis unveils how the important and royal image of the lion changed in China after it arrived from India. The lion became the royal guardian in China and evidence of the impressive image of this guardian is found in the many conserved guardian lion statues. However, over time the image of the lion became more diverse in China. It was increasingly represented as a harmless and even cute animal. Moreover, the image did not just stay in the high classes of society, it became popular under the common public as well. Because of the growing demand for entertainment and decoration in an urbanized society, the image of the lion was adapted. Funny and harmless lions are more decorative and amusing than the frightening ones that protected the imperial houses.Show less
