| Wang Shixiang | |
|---|---|
| Born | May 25 1914 Beijing |
| Died | November 28 2009 |
| Occupation | Researcher collector |
Wang Shixiang (Beijing, May 25 1914 - November 28 2009) was a Chinese researcher of traditional Chinese culture, leading art collector, poet and Hanzi-calligrapher.[1][2][3]
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Wang was born into a wealthy family. So was his father was a diplomat and his mother have been possible to study abroad. His ancestors were three generations at the court of the Chinese Qing Dynasty. Its origin is described as one of the reasons for his talent and sensitivity for the detection of elements from classical Chinese culture. From puberty to the age of about 25 years he led the life of a dandy, he did not, for example to school, loved playing cricket fights and the breeding and training pigeons and eagles. When at twenty five years his mother died, his life changed radically. He dropped the revelers life behind him and he engaged in study and writing.[4]
His art collection was during his life an inspiration for craftsmen and scientists worldwide. During the Cultural Revolution (1966–1976), his collection was seized by the Chinese authorities. After the revolution was given back his collection. In 2003 his collection is part of the Chinese national heritage.[5]
Throughout his life he remained an avid fan of pigeons. English works as Beijing Pigeon Whistleshe wrote in 1999 about his passion. When he won the Prince Claus Award in 2003 in Beijing, pigeons were released as a gesture to the winner.[4][3]
Wang began his career after the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945). He worked at this time to the Palace Museum in the Forbidden City in Beijing and later became a member of the prestigious Central Research Institute of Culture and History.[4]
Later became a researcher for the State Administration of Cultural Heritage. During the eighties he made regular contributions to the paper China Daily. But also through other channels, he published much about the investigation he conducted, as in dozens of books he left behind. His publications are in some cases the only available information on specific topics.[3][5]
Wang was internationally known for his extensive study of a wide range of cultural relics, artifacts and manifestations, including furniture, Chinese lacquer art, bamboo carvings, pigeon whistles, a large number of traditional crafts and music. His knowledge ranges from trivial matters to esoteric, from Chinese manuscripts and objects to intangible cultural affairs.[4]
Altogether he published over forty books. The bookClassic Chinese Furniture: Ming and Early Qing Dynastiesis considered his most influential work. It is a meticulous, precise work that includes all of his studies he made to Chinese furniture.[4]
Wang won a 1985 award from the Chinese Ministry of Culture where he was described as one of the most distinguished individuals in the fields of culture, history and museum studies.[4]
Wang received the 2003 Prince Claus Award "in recognition for his meticulous research into popular culture and decorative arts of the Chinese People's Republic. Knowledge of traditions and skills to document and disseminate he contributed to the recovery of the dislocation caused by the Cultural Revolution was caused in this way for current and future generations the cultural heritage preservation and transfer. " Usually the main prizes of the Prince Claus Prize awarded in the Netherlands. In 2003, Wang, however, old age, 89 years, so the awards this time by the embassy in Beijing was organized.[5][6]