Shuanglin Temple: A Hidden Treasure of Shanxi, China

I’ve had the opportunity to visit Shuanlin Temple (near Pingyao Ancient City)three times in my life, and each visit left me with distinct impressions, reflecting not only my personal journey but also the broader evolution of Chinese society. The first visit was in 2006, a time when China was still opening up to the world. …

The Multifaceted World of Martin Wong at Stedelijk Museum Amsterdam

Martin Wong’s Exibition The Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam recently hosted a comprehensive survey of works by Martin Wong, an artist whose canvases capture the complex tapestry of urban life in America from the 1970s through the 1990s. Wong, a Chinese-American painter, is acclaimed not just for his artistry but also for his poignant commentary on …

Behind Tuvan new year traditions: Shagaa

Every year, the transition from the harsh Tuvan winter into the promising spring is celebrated through Shagaa (шагаа), the Lunar New Year, a festival steeped in the deep-rooted traditions of the Tuvan people. This celebration has seen a revival, particularly among those who were disconnected from their cultural heritage during the Soviet regime. Today, there …

Joseph Freinademetz

For several years, I've been captivated by the sight of Joseph Freinademetz's images and paintings in numerous churches across South Tyrol. This intrigue sparked a desire within me to delve deeper into the life and legacy of this remarkable figure, a Catholic priest from our very own region who left an indelible mark far beyond …

The Xiao Nan Men Fire Bell Tower (小南门警钟楼)

A Hidden Historical Gem in Shanghai The Xiao Nan Men Fire Bell Tower (小南门警钟楼), once among the towering structures of old Shanghai, now stands discreetly, easily missed amid the city's modern edifices. To me, its presence is a captivating beacon of Shanghai's historical narrative, bridging the gap between the ancient and the contemporary. During a …

Taiwanese cultural identity

A decade ago, I had the opportunity to attend an international workshop on Taiwanese Cultural Identity at Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic. I've always been fascinated by the nuanced and sensitive nature of Taiwanese identity. This led me to choose it as the subject of my undergraduate thesis, specifically focusing on the yuanzhumin(原住民), or …

The Miao Tapestry: Exploring the Rich Cultural Heritage at the Museo d’Arte Orientale

Miao Exhibition: A Cultural Homage The Museo d'Arte Orientale's exhibition, marking the 700th anniversary of Marco Polo's death, highlights the Miao people's culture. Supported by significant cultural institutions, this exhibit underscores the Miao's rich textile traditions and craftsmanship, reflecting their centuries-old heritage and identity. The Miao: A Diverse Ethnic Tapestry The Miao, predominantly residing in …

Thangka and mandala in Japan

A Thangka is a scroll made of fabric with a painting on its surface which usually describes Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala. Typical of Tibetan Buddhism, it is spread all around Eastern Asia.  In this article I will describe it's characteristics in Japan. The tradition of drawing Thangka arrived in Japan by the 8th century …

Nicolò Manucci: The Adventurer and Historian of the Mughal India

Nicolò Manucci, often referred to as the Marco Polo of India, was an Italian voyager whose life and works offer an invaluable glimpse into 17th-century Mughal India. Born in Venice around 1639, his journey began at the tender age of 14 when he fled home, stowing away on a ship bound for the unknown. This …