Reading Canonical and Non-canonical Religious Works in China and England during the Ming Period (1368-1644)

Join us for an insightful online presentation titled "Reading Canonical and Non-canonical Religious Works in China and England during the Ming Period (1368-1644)" on July 6, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm. Presented by UCLA Library, The Claremont Colleges Library, and Columbia University Libraries, with funding from the James P. Geiss and Margaret Y. Hsu Foundation, this event features speaker Lucille Chia (贾晋珠), Professor Emerita at UC Riverside.

Lucille Chia will explore the parallels and contrasts in religious texts and images produced in China and England during the Ming period and the impact of significant cultural shifts in both societies. With the remarkable growth of printing in China and the Protestant Reformation in England, this presentation examines how these developments shaped the religious landscape in both regions. Additionally, Chia will delve into the unique ways in which Ming-period Buddhist texts and images were formatted, reflecting changing reader demands and contributing to our understanding of how both Chinese and English religious literature evolved.

Participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the material culture of Ming books and manuscripts through this event, part of the "Training the Trainers: Materiality of Ming Books and Manuscripts" series running from May 4 to July 27, 2026. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with critical questions about religious developments in these two regions. Click the More Details button to RSVP or register now!