Dear Religious Family,
I would like to share with you a very valuable experience we had when we first arrived in Taiwan in the peak of the Covid epidemic. Due to the epidemic, we were able to enter Taiwan only by way of a student visa which obliged us to have 15 hours of Chinese classes a week and upon touch down, we were immediately sent for a 7-day quarantine. It was a rather exciting way to begin a mission, at least for me, it was the best way that Providence had laid for me. We know that all things fall under the Providence of God and in this way, we four contemplative sisters attended Chinese classes in the Fu Jen University and made two short outings during that period. One of them was to the National Palace Museum in Taiwan. This museum contains items that Chiang Kai Shek, the leader of the ROC in 1949, was able to bring from mainland China when he settled the government headquarters in Taiwan. It was an eye-opening experience. The visit granted us an opportunity to have a glimpse into the history and culture of China.
Learning Chinese in Taiwan Amid Covid-19: A Missionary’s Perspective
Let’s begin with the “One Hundred Horses” painting by Giuseppe Castiglione (dated 1723-1725). The theme itself shows the understanding and sensitivity that the missionaries had for Chinese culture. In those times, horses played an important role in gaining victories in wars. Thus, to have good horses was a guarantee of victory as a lot depended on the vigor and agility of the horses. The number 100, on the other hand, represents completeness and abundance. The clever combination of these two concepts found favor with the King, who personally approved the draft made by Castiglione before he began his work on silk.
The Significance of the “One Hundred Horses” Painting by Giuseppe Castiglione
What strikes me most in this painting was the way he used the knowledge he had from Western art to bring about progress in Chinese art, particularly in making the objects more realistic. In the commentaries, they stated that he drew horses and trees in different sizes to create distances. He also introduced brighter colors and made use of heavier strokes to give more dimension to the painting. Yet in every way, he was faithful to the tradition of Chinese art. This shows that he had a profound understanding of Chinese art. One could be so tempted to express the spirit of the missionaries to the Chinese through his work in these words, “We have not come to destroy your culture. We have come to know, to appreciate all that is good and to elevate them with the Gospel message; it is not to remove or to depreciate that which is Chinese but to better it, helping it to achieve its maximum potential.” All this can be seen in the various works that the missionaries have done.
Western Influence on Chinese Art: The Legacy of Missionary Artists
Another introduction brought forth during the Qing dynasty was the painting with enamel, known as Fa Lang Chai. After several years of importing Western paint, the locals were able to develop new paint materials and thus make significant advancements in ornamenting the products that were used. Emperor Qian Long was said to be fond of brilliant colors.
Emperor Qian Long and the Fa Lang Chai: A Study of Enamel Painting
There was an exhibition of a black mirror known as the Black Jade Mirror. What is interesting to mention is the very fact that Emperor Qian Long had asked Adam Schall, a Jesuit, to investigate what material it was made of. I was so thrilled to have read the name of a Jesuit missionary written in a Chinese historical item in its National Museum. These great missionaries worked hard in learning the language, understanding, and adopting the manners and lifestyle of the Chinese so much so that they were able to gain their trust and make an impact in their history. Can we say that Catholicism had not made an impact on Chinese culture? It has been present in their history, if not at least their works say so.
The Black Jade Mirror: Jesuit Influence in Chinese History
Besides this, I found myself impressed by the attention that the artists placed on details in their works. Take a look at this olive seed for example. A magnifying glass is needed for us to appreciate the intricate masterpiece. The One Hundred Boxes is very interesting too. These boxes were made to store the artwork that has been made, including plates and bowls. Yet take a look at the details that they placed for these boxes. Amazing! One can only wonder should these artistic talents be used in creating liturgical vestments, how impressive would it be.
Appreciating the Fine Details of Chinese Art: Olive Seed and One Hundred Boxes
The Chinese are also known to be people who appreciate words so much that words were written or embroidered and given as gifts. It is not uncommon to hear one say, I will give you as a gift these words. 我送你這句話。 This can be seen in the magnificent calligraphy that they have left behind; they were done with no room for errors. In the gifts made by the Kings to nobles for the services, words were usually carved in the items.
The Importance of Calligraphy in Chinese Culture
Another item that caught my attention is this “Jade Cabbage.” When the King admired the beauty of the Jade Cabbage, the minister took the opportunity to convey a message to the King, saying that there was a gardener who had many beautiful vegetables in his garden such as this cabbage but was nonetheless upset. The king prompted as to the reason for this. The minister then explained it was because he did not recognize the good vegetables that he had in his garden. Not being able to appreciate the good he had, he was not able to use them and so remained sad. The King thus understood that he had to appreciate the talents of the ministers who are serving the Kingdom. The King took this lesson to heart in his subsequent rule. Is this pedagogy not familiar to us? In the section for jades, there was also a saying largely displayed: “A jade that is not smoothened and shaped is of no use.” Wow. Could we not see the relation it has with virtue? A man that does not allow himself to be molded in virtues is of no use. The Chinese regarded jade as a symbol of virtues and benevolence.
The Jade Cabbage: A Lesson in Appreciation and Virtue
I am very impressed with my visit to the museum. There are so many truths present that can allow one to speak of our faith. I write to share this experience with you to invite and encourage each one of you to work profoundly in the evangelization of the cultures of your mission places, and in the evangelization of the different fields that we have. Let us work seriously and profoundly with a spirit of magnanimity and generosity that all our works may be a concrete imprint that the Trinity leaves in history.
I ask for your prayers for our mission ad gentes here in Taiwan.Viva la Virgen y viva la misión!
United in this Religious Family,
Maria Filia Docilis
Our Lady of Sheshan Monastery
