18.10.2024

Lecture: Thomas Hahn, "A Word on Kaifeng, or The Curious Case of a Former City of Splendor"

Next Tuesday, Oct 22, Dr. Thomas Hahn (Berkeley) will give a lecture as part of the Colloquium History and Culture of China

Dr. Thomas Hahn (University of Berkeley, CA)
A Word on Kaifeng, or The Curious Case of a Former City of Splendor

Amongst all historical capital cities of China, Kaifeng occupies a special place. “Raise the eyes and there were green bowers and painted chambers, embroidered gates and pearly shades. Decorated chariots vied to park in the Heavenly Avenue and bejeweled horses competed to spur through the
Imperial Street. ” (Stephen West trsl.) Song dynasty Kaifeng was a full expression of China’s reach into global trade networks while at the same time being a hub of local cultural expression. Eventually, Kaifeng failed and fell. This is the story of the ancient capital city’s afterlife.

Tuesday, 22 October 2024, 16:00-18:00 c.t.
Wilhelmstraße 133, Room 62 (2nd floor)
Online Zoom meeting ID: 996 1591 2636 Passcode: 675443