SEEING IS BELIEVING?: WESTERN TECHNOLOGY AND POLICY IN CHINESE PICTORIAL (1884-1898)

This paper focuses on Dianshizhai Pictorials (1884-1898), an influential pictorial with commercial success, as a case study. By analyzing selected illustrations of Western technology and policy, I will explore why and how the visual functioned as mediation between the new knowledge and the ideals of Chinese traditions. The intellectuals and literati, such as the editors and artists of Dianshizhai Pictorial, were relatively receptive and open-minded towards "new knowledge" and other innovative aspects of Western culture. But they were also distressed at many of the social changes induced by Western interaction in the settlements, especially the disintegrating effect on the traditional values and mores of Chinese society. My main argument is seeing is not necessarily believing. The Dianshizhai Pictorial was a part of the mediation between Ti (Chinese tradition and values as foundation) and Yong (Western Technology as tools). The editors and readers, and even high ranking officials like Li Hung Chang, wanted to see and use Western technology as effective tools (Yong). However, they were seeing the tools through Chinese minds, interpreting and believing through Chinese tradition and values, which is the basic foundation (Ti)