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Thursday, December 14, 2000 - 19:30

Chinese Folk Songs

Professor Yang Hongnian

Central Conservatory of Music

Professor Yang Hongnian, from the Central Conservatory of Music, is a famous conductor and educator. In 1983 Professor Yang founded "The Children's and Young Women's Chorus". Under his leadership the chorus has won many awards. In 1996 the chorus was awarded a record breaking four prizes at the XL1V International Polyphonic Contest at Guido d’Arezzo. Professor Yang's lecture on Chinese Folk Songs will enable BIS members to understand and appreciate the origins, styles and singing techniques of folk songs from various parts of China.
Thursday, November 30, 2000 - 19:30

The Exquisite Art of Chinese Snuff Bottles

Dick Ning Wang

There are many different beliefs as to who introduced the use of tobacco to the Chinese. One can read that tobacco was brought to China by the Russians, Manchu, Portuguese, and the Jesuit Priests. Perhaps it is most likely that it was introduced in different regions by different people around the same time. That time would be the early to mid 1600’s. Snuff was considered a more acceptable way of consuming tobacco than smoking. Snuff was originally stored in Snuff Boxes brought from the West, but the high humidity in China made them unusable. Thus the Snuff Bottle was invented. Actually,...
Tuesday, November 21, 2000 - 19:30

Deconstructing Chinese Cuisine

Ambassador Endymion Wilkinson

European Commission Delegation

When we go to a Chinese restaurant today, we assume that the dishes are prepared according to age-old recipes which have been handed down for centuries. Nothing could be further from the truth. Most of what we think of as typical Chinese food (ingredients and implements) are relatively recent. Take Sichuan cuisine. It was only "invented" in the late 19th century and became nationally famous during the Republic. The ubiquitous wok used for stir-frying is a 20th century "convenience". Chopsticks, too, are not as old as many seem to think and the concept of the whole family eating together...
Saturday, November 18, 2000 - 14:00

China under Lois Conner's Eyes

Lois Conner, Photographer

Lois Conner, a great American photographer, will spend a few days in Beijing and accepted an invitation to present to BIS members, at the Courtyard Gallery, a few slides from her latest book China (Callaway, New York). Lois Conner, who was trained at Pratt Institute and Yale University, is presently teaching at Yale. She has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions, from New York to Palo Alto, from Lausanne to Malmö, from Hong Kong to Beijing. China has been a central object of interest to her. She will present slides on landscapes, cities, architecture, and people,...
Thursday, November 9, 2000 - 19:30

An Evening with Zhang Jie

Zhang Jie, Novelist

Zhang Jie, one of China's foremost female novelists, will talk to BIS about her work and outstanding issues in contemporary Chinese fiction. Zhang Jie has just completed her magnum opus, Without Words, a partly autobiographical epic that spans the length of the 20th century in China. Zhang Jie 's road to literary fame was paved by all the upheavals of China's contemporary history. Despite her love for literature and widespread culture in both western and Chinese classics, Zhang Jie graduated from Beijing University with a degree in economics and was soon assigned a job with...
Saturday, November 4, 2000 - 19:30

Outing: Wu Ta Si and Stone Sculptures of Mendur

Built in the reign of Emperor Yongle of the Ming Dynasty, WuTa Si (Five Pagoda Temple) is constructed in the Indian style and said to be the oldest among the ten temples of its kind remaining in China. WuTa Si is a lovely Beijing landmark known for beautiful stonework and with its own special history. It now houses a remarkable stone carving museum (permanent exhibit) and until December has a special exhibition on “Stone Carvings of the Mendur.” This outing offers BIS members a special “insiders” view of the cultural, historic and artistic points of the temple and of the Mendur...
Thursday, October 26, 2000 - 19:30

Go West

Kerstin Leitner

UNDP Resident Representative

Kerstin Leitner, who is in China for the second time with UNDP, was one of the founding members of BIS in the early 80s. Today, Ms. Leitner is the UNDP Resident Representative in China and she has recently spoken on several occasions on the relevance of the Western Development Initiative for China and for the work of international partners of China. In her presentation Ms. Leitner will show the existing regional disparities, provide an update on the government's work and discuss aspects including where and how international cooperation between China and the public sector, the...
Thursday, October 19, 2000 - 19:30

Ming Porcelain in the 15th Century

Professor Li Zhiyan

Beijing University

China has long been known throughout the world as the home of porcelain. Its porcelain has been exported continuously since the eighth century A.D. During the Xuande (A.D. 1426-1435) and Chenghua (A.D. 1465-1487) reigns of the Ming Dynasty, manufacture of porcelain reached yet another summit of proficiency in technology and artistic development. It was during this time that a porcelain prototype was set for all the ensuing imperial families until 1911. Professor Li Zhiyan of Beijing University and Vice President of the Chinese Ceramics Association, who spoke several times previously...
Saturday, October 14, 2000 - 08:15

Outing: Beijing Courtyard Houses

Michael Crook, Guide

Michael Crook, who grew up in Beijing and is a long-term supporter of BIS, will lead a tour through the hutongs. We will visit three or more courtyard houses and Michael will talk about their architectural features and share with us some anecdotes of the people who have lived there. This will be a special opportunity to get an insider's view of this particular Beijing style of living, which is quickly vanishing. We plan to be back around 12:00 noon, but with increased traffic congestion and other delays, it may be a bit later, so please plan accordingly.
Thursday, September 28, 2000 - 19:30

Feng Shui

Mr. Chen Zengbi, Retired Professor, Central Academy of Technology and Art

Translated as "wind and water", Feng Shui is the Chinese art of placement to pursue the most harmonious and auspicious place to live and to work. A household word in many parts of Asia, Feng Shui is a cross between an art and a science. It has ancient origins dating back thousands of years to the beginning of Chinese civilization. Nowadays, it has a profound influence on business in Asia. Mr. Chen Zengbi, a retired professor of the Central Academy of Technology and Art, will speak on the theoretical and historical background of this old Chinese practice. Using slides, Professor Chen will...
Saturday, September 23, 2000 - 09:00

Outing: Famous Catholic Sites of Beijing

Professor Yu Qilong

Professor Yu Qilong, an old friend of BIS, will lead a tour on the important Catholic churches of Beijing. Himself a Graduate of the "College Francais" of the Nan Tang (or South Cathedral of Beijing) and of the famous Jesuit "Universit • Aurore" in Shanghai, Professor Yu Qilong will take us from the Church of Saint-Michel in the old legation quarter, the French Embassy church, then to the Nan Tang, the South Cathedral originally built by the great Italian Jesuit Matteo Ricci, then to the Bei Tang, or Northern Cathedral, the gothic style fief of once powerful Monsignor Favier and the seat...
Saturday, September 16, 2000 - 15:00

Outing: Old Beijing Visit and Concert

BIS will resume its new year with a special programme, combining a visit to an old Beijing building with an out-door traditional Chinese music concert. The Luxembourg Embassy will be generously opening its doors for this occasion; this private building, built in 1937 and located in one of the old Beijing hutongs, is a rare diplomatic address outside the current diplomatic quarters in this capital and retains the old 'legation' atmosphere. A brief history and presentation of the building is on the programme alongside a concert by a group of talented young professionals, all graduates of the...
Thursday, June 15, 2000 - 19:30

Cui Jian: China's Contemporary Music Scene

Cui Jian

Cui Jian is a legendary figure in China's music scene. He was not only the first internationally known Chinese rock-singer, but also the spiritual idol of the Chinese youth in the 1980's when China opened its door to the outside. He has lived through the Cultural Revolution as a child and his powerful music grabbed at the heart, expressing the woes and yearning of his generation who identify themselves in his lyrics. After a relatively long absence, Cui Jian recently returned to the limelight with music revealing the amazingly versatile talents of this artist. As its closing event...
Thursday, June 8, 2000 - 19:30

Tibetan History and Culture Through Its Traditional Architecture

Andre Alexander, Director, Tibet Heritage Fund

We have looked at Tibet through its religion, its carpets, its furniture and other artifacts. Now we will approach it through its traditional architecture. Andre Alexander, director of the Tibet Heritage Fund in Lhasa who leads a team of specialists in restoring this city to its original charm, will introduce us to Old Lhasa. Mr. Alexander is a long-time resident of Lhasa and has an intimate knowledge of the city. In his slide presentation, he will lead us through the maze of medieval streets of Old Lhasa with its historic buildings and monuments. He will show us how Tibet's history...
Tuesday, May 23, 2000 - 19:30

Rural Poverty in China

Dr. Juergen Voegele,

Agricultural specialist

The lecture will provide an overview of the environmental and social challenges of poor people living in the remote parts of western China. What is the Government doing to help the rural poor and how can other countries and institutions help to improve their lives? The presentation will be complemented by a short video clip showing the actual situation of farmers in the Loess Plateau area, a remote and desolate place in northwest China, where a very large poverty alleviation program is changing the lives of millions of people in a sustainable way. The lecture will be given by...
Saturday, May 20, 2000 - 08:15

Outing: Boat Ride on Imperial Canal

Michael Crook, Guide

As promised, this is a repeat of last Fall's very popular event. Started in the Jin Dynasty (AD 1115-1234), some canals were built as waterways for the imperial family to travel to and from the winter palace of the Forbidden City to the Summer Palace. These routes continued to be used through the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties to the present. Just last year, sections of the canal were reopened. Michael Crook, who specializes in finding little-known gems of destinations, will once again be our guide. BIS members will be guided through a scenic portion of the canal on a chartered boat....
Thursday, May 18, 2000 - 19:30

I Ching, Book of Changes

Dr. Wong Bo

Associate Professor of Philosophy,

Beijing University

I Ching (=Yi Jing) or Book of Changes has sustained a continuous influence in China for 3000 years and is attracting a growing attention from the West. Beginning as a book of oracles, the Book of Changes gradually became a book of wisdom and eventually became one of the Five Classics of Confucianism. It constitutes the common source of both Confucianist and Taoist philosophy. Dr. Wong Bo, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Beijing University with whom BIS is already familiar with the excellent lecture on Lao Zi last Spring, will talk about the unique way of...
Tuesday, May 9, 2000 - 19:30

Confucian Confusion

Dr. Diane Obenchain

Visiting Professor of Religion,

Peking University

What we in the West call "Confucianism" is a way of life that receives the Chinese name of "ru" meaning soft, gentle, learned. Ru (Confucianism) refers to a cultivated moral way of life that takes as its foundation the care, love, and respect that are natural and proper to the family and encourages the deepening and broadening of these feelings beyond the family in the larger social and public world. Until the twentieth century, the Confucian moral way of life was the foundation of moral leadership in China. What are the roots of the Confucian moral life? What is the Chinese world-view in...
Saturday, April 29, 2000 - 08:15

Outing: Come Explore With Me

Michael Crook

Up for a bit of adventure and a picnic to boot? If so, come join Michael Crook for a very special BIS outing to a little-known corner of Beijing. Michael will guide us on an exploration of the Nalan Xinde museum and surrounds, including the delightful claimed Nalan Xinde family temple ruin and ancient theatre stage, ideal for a picnic as the spring weather beckons us outdoors! This will be a day trip: wear good walking shoes and come prepared with your own sack lunch.
Thursday, April 27, 2000 - 19:30

Song Dynasty Landscape Paintings

Freda Murck

Song dynasty landscape paintings are thought of as summations of man's harmony with nature. For scholars who lost political struggles, however, life was anything but harmonious. To comment discretely on unjust punishments, some men turned to painting as an elegant and subtle means of expressing dissent. Some messages are relatively transparent. In other paintings, the resistance was so deliberately concealed that only with patient excavation of literary sources can the meanings be retrieved. Through examples (from 11th and 12th century Song) in slides Freda Murck, one of BIS's favorite...
Tuesday, April 11, 2000 - 19:30

Meeting with Writer Feng Jicai

Feng Jicai

Writer

BIS is happy to be able to reprogram this event, which was cancelled in November in consideration of the health of our guest, writer Feng Jicai. Feng Jicai, one of the most prominent writers of modern China, will talk about his life and his work. Trained in fine arts and painting, he started writing while still remaining, to this day, a painter. He lived through difficult times during the Cultural Revolution, working in turn as a travelling salesman and a teacher, while he had to hide his manuscripts in walls. After the Cultural Revolution, he participated in the so-called “scar...
Saturday, April 8, 2000 - 08:15

Outing: Ancient Chinese Architectural Museum

The Xianong Altar, built in 1420, is the site where emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties offered sacrifices to the farming gods and held tilling ceremonies. Today it is the Museum of Ancient Chinese Architecture. This group of ancient buildings has been comparatively well preserved and is known as a fine example for studying Chinese ancient architecture. Models of temples from the Han to Qing dynasties are on display, built to the exact measurements and proportions as the original. Also on display are the architectural system of Brackets, Ang and Dougen. The various buildings include...
Thursday, March 30, 2000 - 19:30

Ming Porcelain of the Yongle period

Professor Li Zhiyan

Beijing University

The third Emperor of the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644) Yongle, was an extremely capable ruler. It was during his reign (1402-1424) that the capital was moved from Nanking to Beijing and the main part of the Forbidden City, that we can still see today, was built. The enormous naval expeditions, some of which even reached the East African Coast, were sent during this time. Professor Li Zhiyan of Beijing University has done marvelous presentations on Song, Yuan and early Ming porcelain in the past for BIS. This time he will speak on the development, the characteristics and the artistic...
Tuesday, March 14, 2000 - 19:30

Reflections on Modern and Contemporary Beijing Architecture

Panel:

Zhang Kei Ji, Architect

Yung Ho Chang, Architect

Antonio Ochoa, Architect

Zhang Xin, Developer

A panel of senior and contemporary Beijing architects and developers will examine past models and present challenges for public and private architecture. Architect Zhang Kei Ji, one of the most prominent architects of the 50’s, will recall his experiences in building some of the landmarks of the 50's and talk about the models inspiring the buildings of Tiananmen Square and the Sun Li Tun embassy area. Architect Yung Ho Chang, foremost representative of the new generation of Beijing architects will discuss the motivations and aesthetic guidelines of present Chinese architecture. Architect...
Saturday, March 11, 2000 - 14:00

Outing: A Collector's Tour of Tibetan Furniture

Mr. Handel Lee, Lawyer and Collector

Mr. Li Jianguang, Director, Century Art Center

Mr. Handel Lee, lawyer-entrepreneur and collector, together with Mr. Li Jianguang, the director of the Century Art Center, will give BIS members some insider tips on what to look for when appraising and buying Tibetan furniture. This hands-on, learning experience will take place in a charming authentic courtyard house tucked away in Ritan Park. Built in 1534, this was where the emperor changed his robe before worshipping the sun. Through this show and tell presentation of Tibetan furniture, BIS members will learn about the different periods, the symbolism and meaning of the artwork...
Thursday, March 9, 2000 - 19:30

The History & Evolution of the Chinese Written Language

Susan Yeh

For the past 500 years, great civilizations rose and fell, such as the Mayan, Egyptian, Greek…, all of which have been interrupted or have vanished. Chinese civilization, meanwhile, has remained alive over this period of time. One of the main binding powers for the Chinese people has been their common written language which has persisted ever since the Europeans first came into contact with China over 2000 years ago. For the past eight years Susan Yeh, a Committee Member of BIS, has lectured on various subjects of Chinese history and culture to expatriate communities in Japan,...
Thursday, February 24, 2000 - 19:30

Confucius and Confucianism, Yesterday and Today

Professor Zhang Zhilian

Confucius is probably one of the most popular figures in the world today, if we judge by the number of times people refer to his words of wisdom, not only in China but in the world over. But who is he, what is the core of his teaching and his influence throughout two millennia? Professor Zhang Zhilian, who BIS friends know as the exquisite historian with a deep knowledge of both Western and Chinese history, will present this formidable theme, including contemporary debates on Confucianism. May one add that Professor Zhang belongs to a family and generation of Chinese literati, gem of...
Thursday, February 17, 2000 - 19:30

The Chinese Spring Festival

Professor Yan Chongnian

Professor Yan Chongnian, whose lectures some of us have been privileged to hear in the past, will give a talk on “The Chinese Spring Festival”. Professor Yan will explain in some detail how this festival was celebrated at court and also by the common people. The Chinese Emperor used to celebrate Chinese New Year at court during an extended holiday of some fifteen days duration, the only holiday observed at court throughout the year. Professor Yan will tell us about the many traditions that go into preparing the festival (preparations at court started months in advance), including food and...
Thursday, January 27, 2000 - 19:30

Early Ming Porcelain

Professor Li Zhiyan

Beijng University

China has long been known throughout the world as the home of porcelain. Its porcelain has been exported continuously since the eighth century AD. In 1271, the Mongols conquered China, and for 90 years or so, there was not much advance in the manufacture of porcelain. When the Chinese succeeded in overthrowing the Mongols in AD 1368 and started the Ming Dynasty, restoration of quality in porcelain progressed with great speed. Professor Li Zhiyan of Beijng University, who did such excellent presentations for our members on Song and Yuan porcelain in the past, will speak on porcelain from...