2007 Exhibition

This exhibition finished in Spring 2008. The items described here are no longer on public display in the Library. Information about current Library exhibitions is available on our events page.

The exhibition was opened in the library by the Chinese Ambassador, H.E. Mr Zhang Xinsen, on 17^th May 2007, and continued until Spring 2008. The following is the short description of the exhibition that was published at the time.

The books on display represent some of the earliest accounts of China by Western travellers.

The exhibition begins with a magnificent atlas open at a map of the province of Peking (now Beijing). The cartouche shows the emperor and empress seated on either side with servants carrying parasols. Visitors can also see Marco Polo's observations on the geography, government and culture of China.

The famous Chinese sage and philosopher Confucius is regarded as the most important thinker in Chinese history and there is a case devoted to him and his famous maxims. There are books with illustrations of magnificent and spectacular Chinese processions. One procession shows the emperor and his retinue when he appears in public. He is accompanied by men playing twenty-four trumpets other men carrying lances, and four hundred great lanterns. Also included in this majestic procession are princes, foot soldiers, elephants, and chariots.

This exhibition contains accounts of the customs, houses, animals, flora and fauna of the China. There are sections on the Great Wall and on Chinese medicine and illustrations of the silkworm and the making of silk. Another case is devoted to the Jesuit Mission and the famous Rites Controversy.