Professor Jeffrey Riegel on Yuan Mei (1716-1798) and a Different ‘Elegant Gathering’

RAS LECTURE

Tuesday 8th March, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.

Venue: Mesa-Manifesto 748 Julu Road, 巨鹿路748号梅萨餐厅

PROFESSOR JEFFREY RIEGEL

YUAN MEI (1716-1798) and a DIFFERENT ‘ELEGANT GATHERING’

Provocative in the 18^th century, a painting commissioned by Yuan Mei in 1796 to portray an ‘Elegant Gathering’ of thirteen of his female disciples was and is problematic for scholars who study Yuan Mei, his relations with women, and the age in which they lived. What events lay behind the commission and what did the painting mean to Yuan Mei? Why are women who were not present at the actual event portrayed in the work of art? What importance should be assigned to the many inscriptions that appear on the handscroll along with the painting? And why are there three versions of the handscroll known to us.

This presentation attempts to provide answers to these and other questions.

Professor Jeffrey Riegel is Professor and Head of School of the School of Languages and Cultures, Faculty of Arts, Sydney University, currently on a sabbatical in China. Most of Jeffrey Riegel’s 34-year academic career was spent at the University of California, Berkeley. He retired from the position of Agassiz Professor of Chinese in 2007. He travels frequently to China and has long been committed to helping bring about a greater understanding of China.

Entrance: RMB 30 (RAS members) and RMB 80 (non-members) those unable to make the donation but wishing to attend may contact us for exemption, prior to the RAS Lecture. Membership applications and membership renewals will be available at this event.

RSVP: to RAS Enquiry desk

enquiry@royalasiaticsociety.org.cn