Study of 16th and 17th century lacquered Luso-Asian artifacts - Ulrike Körber скачать в хорошем качестве

Study of 16th and 17th century lacquered Luso-Asian artifacts - Ulrike Körber

Study of 16th and 17th century lacquered Luso-Asian artifacts –Uncovering complex dynamics of cross-cultural exchange reflected in their heterogeneous composition Ulrike Körber February 10, 2023 Catholic European presence in 16thand 17thcentury Asia,under the patronage of the Portuguese Crown,linked varied ports of South, Southeast and East Asia via the Luso-Asian networks of maritime trading routes, commercial ventures, diplomatic relations, and missionary work. On various levels resulted manifold circulations that promoted exchange and mutual influences in the scope of European-Asian and inter-regional encounters. Indigenous crafts adapted to foreign tastes and needs, heterogeneous artifacts and new artistic styles emerged that well illustrate cultural, religious, and artistic intermingling promoted by cross-cultural interaction. One result are lacquered Luso-Asian artifacts, including parade shields, portable furniture, as well as religious items.Though variously classified in the past, their inconsistent characteristics called for deeper examination and inspired multi-disciplinary research. The striking results revise our understanding of the commission and circulation of these artifacts—heterogeneous creations, combining craft contributions and stylistic influences of multiple cultural spheres. Several examples of lacquered Luso-Asian religious items ordered and employed all above by the Society of Jesus in their mission in China and elsewhere manifest present craft contributions and stylistic influences from India, China,and Japan. Notable are articles that mimic Japanese nanban ornamental schemes but employ Chinese traditional techniques and motifs. To equip their various missions, the Jesuits, promoter of various circulations,commissioned liturgical implements to evangelize local populations, often taking advantage of the already existing production of devotional items settled around Goa and local lacquer arts of Japan or China, using the maritime trading routes that linked Lisbon, Goa, Macao,and Nagasaki. Indicating a stylistic confluence within the framework of the Jesuit missions in Asia, these religious pieces point to the Portuguese base of Macau—the strategic center of Jesuit activities and refuge of many Christians after their expulsion from Japan in the early 17th century. In depth material analysis uncovered not only hints to early modern circulation of people, raw materials, spiritual beliefs, and esthetic conventions that are not decipherable on first sight.By identifying employed materials and layer structures, it further revealed causes of present states of conservation and degradation patterns standard to simplified lacquer formulations, reduced layer sequences and hasty production. This information is crucial for appropriate choices of materials and methods to be employed in conservation projects to preserve them.