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Saturday, December 14, 1991 - 10:00

A Painter Demonstrates Her Art

Yu Danqing

Although she is only nineteen years old, Miss Yu Danqing has been studying painting for twelve years. She is a student of Mr. Wu Zuoren and his wife, Mrs. Xiao Shufang. Miss Yu has agreed to give us a demonstration of free style painting, and will show us the effect of ink on rice paper. Mr. Yu Qilong, her uncle, will provide the explanation. The program will last about one-and-a-half hours.
Tuesday, December 10, 1991 - 19:30

Development of Healthcare Services in China

Dr. Bernard (Bill) Kean

Representative, World Health Organization

Dr. Bernard (Bill) Kean, the World Health Organization Representative in China, will speak to us about changes in the healthcare situation here from 1949 to 1990, about the barefoot doctor and the patriotic health movement. He will tell us about China's unique rural healthcare structure and negative impact of socio-economic changes in the 80s and tell us what the situation is now.
Thursday, November 28, 1991 - 19:30

Latest Archaeological Discoveries in China

Prof. Li Xueqin, Director, Institute of History, Academy of Social Sciences

Professor Li Xueqin is the director of the Institute of History of the Academy of Social Sciences. An archaeologist well known both in China and abroad, he has kindly agreed to give us a lecture on the latest finds in his field. In his talk on Thursday, 28 November, Professor Li will concentrate on those recently unearthed Neolithic sites which offer material bases for a new outlook on the art, ideology, and religious beliefs of the prehistoric period in China.
Thursday, November 21, 1991 - 19:30

Card Games in Late Imperial China

Andrew Lo, Lecturer

Department of the Far East School of Oriental and African Studies, London University

On Thursday, 21 November, we will be given an interesting insight into a somewhat unusual aspect of Chinese culture. Hong Kong-born Andrew Lo is a lecturer in the Department of the Far East at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London University. His field of research is Chinese literature and has more recently included Chinese games. In 1988 he wrote a paper entitled “Dice, Dominoes and Card Games in Chinese Literature – A Preliminary Survey”, it will provide the base for his talk.
Saturday, November 16, 1991 - 10:00

Outing: The Silver Hill Pagodas

Once upon a time Changping County boasted many Buddhist monasteries in beautiful surroundings – today, only their foundations can be seen. Fourteen pagodas do remain from the Jin and Yuan dynasties, however, the oldest one dating back to 1209 A.D. On Saturday, 16 November a bus will leave from the South Gate of Ritan Park at 9 am SHARP to take BIS members there, the ride will take about 1 1/4 hours.
Thursday, November 14, 1991 - 19:30

Outing: Preview of Chinese Folk Painting Exhibition

Mr. Qian Cheng, director of the gallery kindly invites all BIS members to the preview of the second Christmas Folk Painting Exhibition. It will include works from more than ten Chinese provinces including Yunnan, Guizhou, Liaoning, Hubei, Sichuan, Shanxi, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shaanxi, Anhui, Jilin and Heilongjiang. Each area has its own artistic themes and means of expression which, for the most part, have their origins in that area's craft traditions. For example, the painting of Shaanxi has obviously been influenced by folk arts like paper and leather cutting; Guizhou art has...
Monday, November 4, 1991 - 19:30

Similarities and Differences between Chinese Traditional Painting and Western Painting

Mr. Yang Baoyu, Director,
Beijing Zhongshan Chinese Traditional Painting and Calligraphy Society

BIS members will welcome a series of lectures whose main theme is East meets West, West meets East, in which comparisons will be made in the fields of art, culture, customs, historical development, etc. On Monday, 4 November, our lecturer will be Mr. Yang Baoyu, director of Beijing Zhongshan Chinese Traditional Painting and Calligraphy Society and a well-known gongbi (fine brush) artist. Mr. Yang will attempt to trace the origins of Chinese and Western painting, and the philosophical and psychological backgrounds from which the differences and similarities spring. An exhibition of Chinese...
Wednesday, October 23, 1991 - 19:30

Taijiquan

Mr. Zhu Fengwu, Master;

Mrs. He Runxian, Master

Taijiquan is part of China's rich cultural heritage. It is an art in whose slow and gentle movements are embodied both vigor and force. In recent years, more and more people have been studying and practicing Taijiquan in China and abroad. Mr. Zhu Fengwu and Mrs. He Runxian will be able to provide our members with an insight into the origins of this national sport of China – its basic principles and the effective way it keeps the body fit and the soul happy are sure to be of interest to all. Mr. Wu and Mrs. He, both renowned masters of Taijiquan will also give us demonstration of various...
Saturday, October 19, 1991 - 08:45

Outing: Fa Hai Si, Buddhist Temple

Fa Hai Si, a small Buddhist Temple located in the Western part of Beijing, is about one-and-a-half hours away from Ritan Park. The temple houses beautiful Ming frescoes whose colors remain fresh after 500 years. It would be a good idea to bring flashlights, as it is rather dark inside the temple. Please wear comfortable shoes for the walk up the hill behind the temple, and do bring a picnic.
Saturday, October 12, 1991 - 20:30

Outing: Western Han Tomb

Gillian Simpson, Guide

The tomb and the museum are located at Dabaotai, Fengtai County about one hour's drive from Ritan Park. The tomb has been skillfully excavated and restored to show its typical Western Han construction including the seven chambers, one fitting into the other. In the surrounding passageways there are the remains of two unique carriages and several horses. The small museum gives information about the excavation and contains artifacts found in the tomb or, in some cases, copies of them, and small replicas of the carriages. Gillian Simpson, a British post-graduate research student of...
Thursday, October 10, 1991 - 19:00

BIS 10th Anniversary Event: Classical Temple Music at Zhi Hua Si

We are pleased to be able to offer our members a very special treat – to enjoy 500-year-old music in the Great Hall of the Zhi Hua Temple, built in the eighth year of the Zheng Tong Emperor of the Ming Dynasty. Zhi Hua Si classical temple music is the only well preserved Chinese classical music. It has been played uninterruptedly, unaltered for 28 generations. It is treasured in China and highly appreciated abroad as well, for its artistic and historic value. A group of monks, musicians in their twilight years, and revered as "China's National Treasures" for their unique...
Tuesday, September 24, 1991 - 19:30

Some Unusual China Jades

Jessica Rawson, Curator, Oriental Department, British Museum

Jessica Rawson, Curator of the Oriental Department of the British Museum, will give a talk about some unusual Chinese jades especially from the Shang and Zhou periods. Jessica is an expert on Chinese bronzes and jades and does research, writes and lectures on these subjects. She often visits China for seminars and research projects. We are indeed fortunate that she has once again agreed to give us a talk during her brief visit to Beijing. Some of you probably heard her interesting and informative talk on Chinese bronzes last year.
Thursday, September 12, 1991 - 19:30

Catholicism in China

Dr. Wilhelm Mueller, Chief Editor, Monumenta Serica, Journal of Oriental Studies of CASS; Chaplain, Foreign Catholic Community, Beijing

We are pleased to announce a lecture by Dr. Wilhelm Mueller, Chief Editor of Monumenta Serica, Journal of Oriental Studies of CASS and Chaplain for the Foreign Catholic Community in Beijing, who will speak to us about the history of the Catholic Church in China, its present situation and its relation to the Vatican.
Wednesday, June 26, 1991 - 19:30

Child Development in China

Mr. Cyril Dalais, UNICEF Project Officer

The world summit for children held at the United Nations on 29-30 September 1990 was attended by 71 world leaders, a unique occurrence in the history of the United Nations. The world Declaration for the Survival, Protection and Development of Children and a Plan of Action were published, and to date over 100 world leaders have subscribed to the Declaration and Plan of Action. Mr. Cyril Dalais, UNICEF Project Officer, Child and Family Welfare, and two of his Chinese colleagues will discuss some of the projects which the Chinese Government is proposing to promote, with support from...
Thursday, June 13, 1991 - 19:30

The British Embassy Peking 1861-1991, A Short History

Dr. Jim Hoare, Head of Chancery, British Embassy

This year marks the 130th anniversary of the establishment of a British diplomatic presence in Beijing. Dr. Jim Hoare, Head of Chancery at the British Embassy, has investigated the history of the embassy from its early days in the Legation Quarter to its move to the Jianguomen site, and has traced the experiences of some of its earlier occupants. A small display of photographs of the former legation will be on show.
Saturday, June 8, 1991 - 08:15

Outing: Around Qianhai and Houhai

The small lakes to the north of Beihai Park offer leafy shade and cooling water in a setting of considerable historical interest and continuing charm. The walk will start and finish at the lower end of Qianhai. We hope to visit Prince Gong's mansion, then circle round the east side of Houhai, pointing out Soon Ching-ling's former home and Guanghua temple, catch glimpses of the Bell Tower and Drum Tower, and end with a visit to Guo Moruo's former residence and/or the Lotus Flower Market.
Saturday, May 25, 1991 - 08:45

Outing: Yellow Temple (Huang Si)

Tibet Development Fund (TDF)

Tibet Development Fund (TDF), a non-profit and non-government aid organization, has kindly agreed to organize a visit to the famous Yellow Temple for a group of BIS members. This famous temple, which is located in the northern suburbs of Beijing, happens also to be the headquarters of the Institute of Lamaism. Built during the Ming Dynasty, the temple was repeatedly destroyed during the many years of its long history. The temple served as temporary residence for the Dalai Lama when he visited Beijing as well as for important Mongolian dignitaries. It was the most important center for...
Wednesday, May 15, 1991 - 19:30

Pre-history of the Taklamakan Desert

Dr. John Olsen, Archeologist, University of Arizona; U.S. National Academy of Sciences

Dr. John Olsen, Director of the Beijing Office of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and a well-known archeologist from the University of Arizona, has been pursuing the subject of Chinese Archeology for several years. He is currently involved in an excavation in Xinjiang, and will present a lecture with slides, on the pre-history of the Taklamakan Desert.
Saturday, May 11, 1991 - 08:00

Outing: Tianjin Yang Liu Qing Art Society

Mr. Li Zhiqiang

Mr. Li Zhiqiang, Director of the Yang Liu Qing Art Society, desirous to present the Society's 400-year-old famous New Year woodblock prints, kindly agreed to host a visit to the workshops and display rooms of the Art Society. Beyond that, Mr. Li very generously has offered us a jiaozi luncheon and will accompany us to the workshops of another traditional local folk art, Ni Ren Zhang, the well-known painted clay figures made by the Zhang family, as well as to the Museum of Ethnography and to the Museum of the local style Theatre where we will enjoy a short performance.
Thursday, May 2, 1991 - 19:30

France and China: The Image of the Other

Prof. Zhang Zhilian, European History Department, Beijing University

We are pleased to announce a lecture by Professor Zhang Zhilian who heads the European History Department of Beijing University. He is the President of the Association for the Study of French History as well as President of the Society for Comparative International Studies. He is the author of several books relating to his subject including From Gaul to de Gaulle: Essays in French History and Historiography and has received various international distinctions and awards, including the Chevalier de la Legion d’honneur in 1985.
Wednesday, April 17, 1991 - 09:30

Outing: Neolithic Ceramics and Ancient Bronzes; Visit to Studio of a Contemporary Sculptor

Mr. Ren Changtai, Museum of Chinese History;

Zheng Yuhe, Sculptor

In the Museum of Chinese History, Mr. Ren Changtai will give a lecture, which will be translated into English, about the history of Neolithic ceramics and ancient bronzes and will introduce us to the mystery of these unique pieces of Chinese culture, highlighting examples from the Museum's outstanding collection. After the lecture we will have the privilege of visiting the workshop of the well-known sculptor Zheng Yuhe, which is located within the History Museum.
Monday, April 8, 1991 - 19:30

Chinese Inventions and Their Contribution to Western Civilization

Dr. Erhard Rathenburg, Engineer and Vocationalist

Did you know that Chinese agriculture was the most advanced in the world up to the 17th century? That many important inventions were made during the Han Dynasty, and that Chinese scientists have made remarkable contributions to modern natural science? What caused China's scientific decline in Ming times? Dr. Erhard Rathenburg, engineer and vocationalist, with long experience in the field of technology transfer, is going to investigate the question of how ancient China has influenced scientific and technological development in the West.
Thursday, April 4, 1991 - 19:30

China and Europe from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance

Prof. Piero Corradini, Far Eastern History, Rome University; Cultural Attache, Italian Embassy

We are very pleased to announce a lecture by Professor Piero Corradini, Professor of Far Eastern History, Rome University, “La Sapienza”. Professor Corradini, who is currently Cultural Attache at the Italian Embassy, Beijing, is a well-known expert on the interaction of the peoples of Europe and China from the earliest period of contact between China and the West.
Thursday, April 4, 1991 - 19:30

China and Europe from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance

Prof. Piero Corradini, Far Eastern History, Rome University;

Cultural Attache, Italian Embassy

We are very pleased to announce a lecture by Professor Piero Corradini, Professor of Far Eastern History, Rome University, "La Sapienza." Professor Corradini, who is currently Cultural Attache at the Italian Embassy, Beijing, is a well-known expert on the interaction of the peoples of Europe and China from the earliest period of contact between China and the West.
Wednesday, March 27, 1991 - 19:30

The Relationship between Chinese Traditional Music, Calligraphy and Taoism

Mr. Cao Jianguo

Mr. Cao Jianguo will explain the fundamental standard for Chinese aesthetics and the relationship between Chinese traditional music, calligraphy and Taoism. He will play an ancient self-made musical instrument, the XUN, and he will show his calligraphy. Mr. Cao, born in 1949, has over the past twenty years, followed the way of many of the ancient scholars, studying the traditions of various of the Chinese art forms through the practice of Buddhism and Taoism. Mr. Wu Jian of the China International Culture and Arts Company, will be the translator.
Thursday, March 7, 1991 - 19:30

Traditional Chinese Finger Painting

Li Bingqi

Traditionally, for thousands of years, Chinese paintings have been done with a brush but Li Bingqi uses his fingers. He was not the first to do this. Finger painting originated with Gao Qipei, who lived in the early years of the Qing Dynasty and it later developed into minor art. The best known finger painter after Gao was Pan Tianshou (1898-1971); now Li Bingqi has raised this art to new heights. The exhibition will open on Thursday 7th March at 7:30pm. Mr. Li will give a talk with simultaneous translation into English. Following the talk he will give a demonstration of his...
Wednesday, February 20, 1991 - 19:30

Forum: Old Peking Hands

Ambassador van den Berg;
Ambassador Donald;

Ambassador Djukic;
Ambassador Ranganathan;

and Ambassador Belling;
Mr. Berger of Reuters

A group of Ambassadors, currently serving in Beijing, were all friends and colleagues in Beijing in the 1960’s. The Reuters correspondent of that time is also now back in Beijing. Taking a variety of different subjects, they will discuss and describe how life has changed in Beijing and China over the last 25 years.
Wednesday, February 13, 1991 - 19:30

Terracotta Armies: View from the Bronze Age

Dr. Lothar van Falkenhausen, Archaeologist

Both Qin and Han Dynasties buried their emperors with vast terracotta armies. Why? Dr. Lothar van Falkenhausen who last month gave us a talk on bronze bells and their music, has kindly agreed to talk to us again, this time on the history of burial customs in the 1st millennium B.C. and the religious beliefs that underlie them.
Thursday, February 7, 1991 - 10:15

Outing: Qing Dynasty Hardwood Furniture Exhibition

Hu Desheng, Expert

Mr. Hu Desheng, a Chinese hardwood furniture expert from the Palace Museum, will take us on an instructive tour of the Qian Long furniture collection in the Jing Xin Zhai in the northern section of Beihai Park. The Emperor used to relax in these lakeside rooms which today retain many pieces of hardwood furniture from that period. The rooms are located in a dramatic rockery with pagoda-topped hills, caves, paths with creatively inlaid pebbles and many covered wooden walkways and balconies. We will spend approximately an hour with Mr. Hu in the heated building. Exploring outside will...
Tuesday, January 29, 1991 - 19:30

The Mystery of Bronze Bells and Their Music in Ancient China

Dr. Lothar van Falkenhausen, Archaeologist

The extraordinary fact is that the Chinese only discovered in 1978 that the famous bronze bells of the Zhou and Shang dynasties, excavated and preserved carefully for hundreds of years in China, can produce two quite different notes when struck in different places. We do not know how they achieved this. We do not know how their music sounded. Dr. Lothar van Falkenhausen, a German archaeologist and expert on bronze bells, will be giving this lecture, and may be able to explain some of the mystery.
Tuesday, January 22, 1991 - 19:30

Video: China in Revolution 1911-1949

Michael Bosworth

The video films “China in revolution 1911-1949” will be introduced by Michael Bosworth. Mr. Bosworth, a resident of Beijing, is fluent in Mandarin and has spent many years studying Chinese history. The video, shown on PBS Television in the USA, shows extensive actual footage and interviews persons involved during this ideological battle beginning the People's Republic in China.
Tuesday, January 15, 1991 - 19:30

China for Tourists Off the Beaten Track

Colonel Colin Lees, British Defence Attache

Colonel Colin Lees, the British Defence Attache, has the opportunity to travel to many remote parts of China, amongst them Yunnan, Fujian, Tibet and many other provinces. He has made a large collection of slides of his various trips, and in this talk will be showing us places of interest that are perfectly possible to visit as tourists, but are not on the main tourist routes.