Wang
Shixiang

Awardee

Country

China (People's Republic of)

Wang Shixiang reexamined history through cultural heritage.

Themes
Reexamining history
Disciplines
Cultural heritage
Artistic Research
Literature
Awards
Archive - Prince Claus Laureate 2003

Profile

Wang Shixiang (1914-2009) was a researcher, art collector, poet, and calligrapher based in China. Born into a Beijing family with a rich Qing dynasty heritage, Shixiang's indulgence in leisure transformed into a devoted pursuit of traditional Chinese culture following his mother's death. He is celebrated for his impact on the preservation and study of Chinese cultural relics, ranging from furniture and lacquer art to bamboo carvings and pigeon whistles.His work, the seminal "Classic Chinese Furniture: Ming and Early Qing Dynasties", has inspired craftsmen and scholars worldwide, contributing to the global appreciation of Chinese heritage. Despite political upheavals, including the seizure of his collection during the Cultural Revolution, his legacy endures through his publications and contributions to cultural heritage preservation.