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SEEING IS BELIEVING?: WESTERN TECHNOLOGY AND POLICY IN CHINESE PICTORIAL (1884-1898)

Wang, Haixia (2011) SEEING IS BELIEVING?: WESTERN TECHNOLOGY AND POLICY IN CHINESE PICTORIAL (1884-1898). Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

This paper focuses on Dianshizhai Pictorials (1884-1898), an influential pictorial with commercial success, as a case study. By analyzing selected illustrations of Western technology and policy, I will explore why and how the visual functioned as mediation between the new knowledge and the ideals of Chinese traditions. The intellectuals and literati, such as the editors and artists of Dianshizhai Pictorial, were relatively receptive and open-minded towards "new knowledge" and other innovative aspects of Western culture. But they were also distressed at many of the social changes induced by Western interaction in the settlements, especially the disintegrating effect on the traditional values and mores of Chinese society. My main argument is seeing is not necessarily believing. The Dianshizhai Pictorial was a part of the mediation between Ti (Chinese tradition and values as foundation) and Yong (Western Technology as tools). The editors and readers, and even high ranking officials like Li Hung Chang, wanted to see and use Western technology as effective tools (Yong). However, they were seeing the tools through Chinese minds, interpreting and believing through Chinese tradition and values, which is the basic foundation (Ti).


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Details

Item Type: University of Pittsburgh ETD
Status: Unpublished
Creators/Authors:
CreatorsEmailPitt UsernameORCID
Wang, Haixiahaw27@pitt.eduHAW27
ETD Committee:
TitleMemberEmail AddressPitt UsernameORCID
Committee ChairLiu, Ximminxinmin@pitt.eduXINMIN
Committee MemberCarlitz, Katherinekcarlitz@pitt.eduKCARLITZ
Committee MemberCrawford, Williamwbc3@pitt.eduWBC3
Date: 14 September 2011
Date Type: Completion
Defense Date: 13 June 2011
Approval Date: 14 September 2011
Submission Date: 3 August 2011
Access Restriction: 5 year -- Restrict access to University of Pittsburgh for a period of 5 years.
Institution: University of Pittsburgh
Schools and Programs: Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences > East Asian Studies
Degree: MA - Master of Arts
Thesis Type: Master's Thesis
Refereed: Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords: Chinese Pictorial; Policy; Western Technology
Other ID: http://etd.library.pitt.edu/ETD/available/etd-08032011-140231/, etd-08032011-140231
Date Deposited: 10 Nov 2011 19:56
Last Modified: 15 Nov 2016 13:48
URI: http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/8871

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