Christian Iconography on Ming and Qing Chinese Porcelain

Religious Influence and Artistic Hybridization

Bibliographic Data

ID3554151
AuthorsMo Guo (0000-0003-0598-2085, Macau University of Science and Technology, corresponding author)
Year2024
Volume15
Issue4
Pages472
Publication date2024-04-11
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueReligions (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444
PublisherMDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT)
DOI10.3390/rel15040472
OpenAlexW4394719739
LanguageEN
References cited14

Since the arrival of Christian missionaries in China through maritime trade networks, missionary activities have been changing from the 16th century to the 18th century. Christian missionaries faced numerous challenges stemming from cultural context and religious policies in China. Throughout history, various religious strategies have been employed to address these challenges. The use of Chinese porcelain to depict Christian imagery holds significant importance. The present study is focused on four representative Chinese porcelains dating from the Ming to Qing dynasties, each associated with specific phases of Christianity in China. Examining the connections between the Christian mission in China and Christian iconography on Chinese porcelain leads to the conclusion that the visual culture associated with the Christian mission in China is influenced by and reflects intercultural or interreligious dialogue with mutual understanding. In the meantime, it signifies an intricate process of interaction, appropriation, hybridization, and adaptation, through which Christian iconography gained new significance on Chinese porcelain

Art · Art history · Iconography · Chinese history and philosophy · Visual Culture and Art Theory

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