Gabriella Bonino: "Contemporary female Marco Polo"
Aug 19, 2023
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Gabriella Bonino, known as the “Contemporary female Marco Polo”, shares her extensive travels in China, retracing Marco Polo's journey on the Silk Road. Topics discussed include excavating ancient shipwrecks in Wenzhou-Shawman, the history of Buddhist pagodas and maritime trade, the life of artist Ku Shulan, and the preservation of intangible cultural heritage in China.
Gabriella Bonino has spent almost 37 years in China, exploring its rich history and culture, and has written several books about the country.
Wenzhou, a city in eastern China, was an ancient maritime trade port exporting porcelain, salt, and tea to Southeast Asia, the Arabian world, and the Mediterranean.
Deep dives
Gabriela Bonino's Journey Through China's Ancient Trade Routes
Gabriela Bonino is an Italian woman who has spent almost 37 years in China, exploring the country's rich history and culture. She adopts the Chinese surname Tang and is known as Tang Yun. Gabriela has written several books about China, including one about the ancient international trade routes via the sea, known as the Nereitime Silk Road. She has a particular interest in the excavation of ancient shipwrecks, such as the Wenzhou-Shawman ancient port, which will feature in her upcoming book. Gabriela has a deep understanding and insight into China, its people, and its cultural heritage.
Wenzhou's Glorious Past as an Ancient Maritime Trade Port
Wenzhou, a city in eastern China, has a rich history as an ancient maritime trade port. Its significance is closely linked to the trade of saladons, ceramic wares with a distinctive glaze, from Longquan kilns in Longcheng city. Wenzhou's two Buddhist pagodas, built during the Tang and Song dynasties, not only witnessed the city's maritime trade history but also served as lighthouses, guiding ships safely to the port. Saladon trade flourished, and Wenzhou became an international trade hub, exporting porcelain, salt, and tea to destinations in Southeast Asia, the Arabian world, and the Mediterranean. The recent excavation of the Sherman Asian port has provided valuable insights into Wenzhou's ancient maritime trade.
Exploring China's Intangible Cultural Heritage
Gabriela Bonino is passionate about China's intangible cultural heritage and has made numerous visits to local arts and crafts practitioners. She particularly appreciates the art of colorstone sculpture, where stones are carved and fitted into designated inlaid places on a board, creating three-dimensional works of art. Gabriela believes that understanding intangible cultural heritage can foster cultural exchange between Italy and China. She also highlights the importance of preserving and promoting these traditions among younger generations. Gabriela's books have garnered praise in Italy, where readers find her perspective on China's culture and heritage insightful.
Gabriella Bonino is known as the “Contemporary female Marco Polo”. As an Italian, she has traveled far and wide in China and writes about the country emphatically. She even followed Marco Polo’s footsteps and retraced the Silk Road.
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