A History of the World in 100 Objects
Jade bi
Oct 8, 2010
World history expert Neil MacGregor discusses the 18th-century European Enlightenment project and China's own Enlightenment under the Qianlong Emperor. He delves into the significance of a jade disc (called a Bi) from 1500 BC, inscribed by the Emperor, shedding light on life in 18th century China and their exploration of the past.
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Quick takeaways
- The jade bee disc symbolizes China's intellectual curiosity in the 18th century Enlightenment.
- Qianlong Emperor used artifacts like the jade bee disc to assert his rule and blend traditions.
Deep dives
Cultural Exploration through Objects
The podcast explores how objects from the Chenlong Emperor's reign, like a jade bee disc, reveal China's intellectual curiosity and link the ancient past to the 18th-century Chinese Enlightenment. The Emperor's inscribed poem on the jade bee disc symbolizes his fusion of historical context and aesthetics, demonstrating a deep understanding of the past through artistic expression. This exploration underscores how historical artifacts serve as conduits for connecting cultural narratives and representing intellectual pursuits within a specific era.
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