Passion, embroidery and history is coming to Launceston on July 10.
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Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society Launceston is presenting a lecture from UK lecturer David Rosier called Ruling from behind the Yellow Silk Screen – The Dowager Empress Cixi (1835-1908).
David Rosier has lived and worked in East Asia for over 25 years with a keen interest in imperial court costume and Chinese history.
He lectures on many aspects of Chinese imperial court with a particular focus on the Qing Dynasty (1644-1911).
Rosier said the one hour lecture was created because there was an increasing interest in the Dowager Empress Cixi, who is known as one of the most powerful women in history.
He will reveal details about her life within her summer palace, in particular have a focus on her passion for painting, embroidery and fashion design.
This interest was due to a number of modern books that explored her contribution towards the creation of China.
“This lecture seeks to provide a balanced insight into the life and achievements of one of the most important women in Chinese imperial history.” he said.
The lecture will explore her confirmation as the Dowager Empress Cixi in 1861 and her strategy to preserve imperial rule after a series of military defeats.
The Dowager Empress Cixi had traditionally been viewed as a cruel leader, by historical records.
Rosier hoped to examine imperial records and contemporary records, to produce a more balanced evaluation of her reign in China.
The lecture also promises to look at the Empress’s relationship with western women, as it was documented she sought to understand the culture, political and role of women for western women.
ADFAS Launceston head of media and promotions Tamara Clark said David Rosier had a depth of knowledge in his subject matter due to living in Asia for most of his life.
“She has notoriety, it would appear that there is more to her than meets the eye,” she said.
“He will be able to share a different perspective on a significant person in Chinese history and that is what I am looking forward to hearing about”.
Mrs Clark encouraged people to attend the lecture as she said Rosier’s passion for the subject matter is likely to make it engaging for all.
- David Rosier’s lecture Ruling from behind the Yellow Silk Screen – The Dowager Empress Cixi (1835-1908 will be held at Sir Raymond Ferrall Centre University of Tasmania on July 10 at 6:15pm for a 6:30pm start.
- Tickets cost $30 which includes refreshments and are available at the door.
- For more information about ADFAS’s monthly lectures and memberships visit: https://www.adfas.org.au/